Traditional Dietary Practices and Related Taboos during Menstruation among Women of Rural Households in Haryana: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Women imbibe many myths, taboos, and practices about food during menstruation. The socioculturalmilieu of Indian society can explain the notions of menstrual restrictions. Aim: To know the traditionaldietary practices and related taboos during menstruation among women of rural households in Sonepat, Haryana.Material and Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 90 households invillage Juan, Haryana selected by systematic random sampling from July 2021 to June 2022. Data regardingtraditional dietary practices and related taboos during menstruation among women at the household level werecollected using an open-ended questionnaire from a woman from each selected household after written informedconsent. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.Results: Mean age (SD) of the study participants was 44.1 (14) years with a range from 18-85 years. Two-thirds(66.7%) of study households reported avoidance of buttermilk/curd and pickles due to the belief of an increase inpain and cramps on consumption. One-third of study households preferred hot beverages such as tea (37.8%) andtea with clarified butter (31.1%) believing that pain and cramps get relieved, and clarified butter provides strengthto the body.Conclusion: There are a number of dietary practices and related taboos prevalent among study households thatmay affect mental health.