Abstract

Perceived dietary practices by rural menopausal women of Limpopo Province in South Africa are narrated. Diet can stage vital roles in management of dietary challenges for rural menopausal women due to poor dietary practices. Food habits and cultural context play an important role in every rural village. This paper attempt to determine perceived lived experiences of these rural women during consultations with them. The purpose of the study was to determine dietary practices of rural menopausal women in Limpopo Province. A qualitative explorative design using phenomelogical approach was employed. Population was women between 40 years and above and purposive sampling was used to select four villages and focus groups. Sample size was determined by data saturation after the fourth focus group discussion. Data was collected through four focus group interviews and one central question guided the discussions “ Please tell me your dietary practices during menopause” Tesch’s eight steps of qualitative data analysis was used. Measures to ensure trustworthiness and ethical considerations were ensured. Findings of this study revealed a major theme of dietary practices of menopausal women and four sub-themes namely description of type, portions and time for meals, An explanation of Socio-cultural and religious practices related to food and Existing perceptions that eating together promote family bonds. This study recommends good dietary practices for all rural menopausal women to be encouraged through capacity building efforts in workshops, churches and tribal gathering to promote healthy living and longevity through healthy meals, socio cultural and good religious practices and family bonds. In conclusion economic constraints were found to be a major barrier for good dietary practices leading to inadequate dietary practices impacting negatively to those women staying alone and not eating well.

Keywords: Dietary practices; Menopause; Menopausal women; Rural