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conferenceseries
.com
September 25-26, 2017 | Atlanta, USA
2
nd
World Congress on
Medical Sociology & Community Health
Volume 7, Issue 4 (Suppl)
J Community Med Health Educ, an open access journal
ISSN:2161-0711
Medical Sociology 2017
September 25-26, 2017
A STUDY OF THE MEDICAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF FOOD AND NUTRITIONAL
TABOOS PRACTICED IN ENUGU STATE, EASTERN NIGERIA
Ikeyi Pauline Adachukwu
a
a
Enugu Institute of Management and technology, Nigeria
Statement of problem:
Food Taboos are foods and beverages, which are abstained from consuming for religious, cultural or hygienic
reasons. These food taboos and habits however, have adverse impact on the health and socio-economic status of the Nigerian
population especially the vulnerable groups- the women, pregnant women, children and the elderly. Food taboos have a long history
especially in the developing countries like Nigeria. All communities in Nigeria practice a form of cultural (traditional) food taboo
and Enugu State is no exception. This paper examined some food and nutritional taboos practiced in Nigeria and the medical and
socio-economic impact.
Methodology:
This study utilized random sampling and in depth interviews of 185 people between the ages of 20years and 70years.
This is to ascertain the opinions of the population and to articulate their perspective of food taboo within their respective locality. In
addition, to possibly determine the types of food avoided as taboos, the reasons and possible origin of the taboo, the most vulnerable
and possible relationship between the practiced food taboo, medical and socio-economic status.
Findings:
Study showed that these cultural practices are based mostly on learned or acquired behavior over years from parents, and/ or a
conscious observation of the behavior of relatives and other close members of the community. Also they govern particular phases of the
human life cycle and special events such as menstrual period, pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, and preparation for hunts, battles, weddings
and funerals. Certain meats, meat parts and eggs are most avoided as taboo. Pregnant women and children are mostly involved in food
taboos while the men are least involved.
Conclusion and significance:
Pregnant women and children are mostly involved in food taboos. However, these populations appear
ignorant and unconcerned on the medical and socio-economic impact.
Recommendation:
Community education, campaign in schools and during antenatal/postnatal visits will go a long way towards
effective fight against food taboos, improve the nutritional status and reduce malnutrition/micronutrient deficiencies among
Nigerians.
Biography
Ikeyi Pauline Adachukwu is the Head of department and a principal lecturer in the department of Science laboratory Technology, Institute of Management and
technology, Enugu, Nigeria. She specializes in medical biochemistry and biotechnology. She has put in over 20 years of teaching, research and administration
in educational institutions in Nigeria. She has authored and co-authored books in biochemistry and biotechnology and has published widely in both local and
international journals. Currently she has focused her researches and passion towards improving the health and wellbeing of her people.
adaikeyi@yahoo.comIkeyi Pauline Adachukwu, J Community Med Health Educ 2017, 7:4 (Suppl)
DOI: 10.4172/2161-0711-C1-027