Public Health Interventions, Barriers, and Opportunities for Improving Maternal Nutrition in India

Ramakrishnan, Usha; Lowe, Alyssa; Vir, Sheila C.; Kumar, Shuba; Mohanraj, Rani; Chaturvedi, Anuraag; Noznesky, Elizabeth; Martorell, Reynaldo; Mason, John

doi:10.1177/15648265120332s105

Cited by 38 publications

(54 citation statements)

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“…Another study also revealed very restricted diet immediately following the delivery of their child to dry out the uterus and aid in the production of milk. 12 Most of the foods restricted were inexpensive and nutritious. Many beliefs stated for each food item had no scientific explanation.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Beliefs and practices regarding nutrition during pregnancy and lactation in a rural area in Karnataka, India: a qualitative study

Nisha

Roger

et al. 2015

Int J Community Med Public Health

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INTRODUCTIONNutrition plays a quintessential role with regard to maternal and child health. However, this aspect is inevitably interlinked to perceived notions and beliefs with regard to food to be consumed by pregnant and lactating women. Studies have also shown existence of practices and beliefs like denying pregnant and lactating women of known nutritious food items owing to their traditional food habits. [1][2][3] In India most food practices and traditions have stemmed from deeply rooted traditions and customs. These food practices can be attributed to malnutrition, which in turn is linked to poverty, food insecurity, unhygienic practices and traditional beliefs. 4 Beliefs are crucial in the acceptance, rejection and promotion of certain food items. These beliefs are the products of social interactions and faith which are entrenched in the minds of the community. Many of these food practices arise from the ignorance about the nutritive value of food. Most often certain cultural beliefs and practices concerning food items are due to ignorance. ABSTRACTBackground: Poor maternal nutrition adversely affects pregnancy and birth outcomes, particularly vulnerable are the rural women in a rural setting. A lactating mother"s nutritional requirement should meet needs of self and that of an infant. In most rural communities this situation is further complicated by food taboos, consequently either adding to or leading to additional negative balance of nutrients. Aims: To assess the food practices and beliefs during pregnancy and lactation among women residing in a rural area of Bangalore urban district. Methods: Study was conducted during the period of January to March 2014 among the women residing under the Sarjapur PHC, Bangalore. Data was collected using Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and in Depth Interviews (IDIs). Thematic frame work approach was used for data analysis. Results: A total of four FGDs and twelve IDIs were conducted. Good practices included consuming green leafy vegetables, rice, bread, jowar, meat, egg and fruits like apple and mosambi. The practices which may potentially harm the health included avoidance of food items like ragi, papaya, mango and guava during pregnancy and reduced water consumption during the post natal period. Beliefs like "casting an evil eye" or "colour of the baby" had an influence on the food given to antenatal mother. Conclusions: The study found numerous food items which are nutritious and safe and available locally either restricted or denied thus making women (pregnant and lactating) and infants vulnerable. There is need for health education programs in rural areas regarding nutrition which will in turn improve the maternal and child health.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Beliefs and practices regarding nutrition during pregnancy and lactation in a rural area in Karnataka, India: a qualitative study

Nisha

Roger

et al. 2015

Int J Community Med Public Health

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“…The Performance of Routine Information Systems Management (PRISM) framework identifies key HIS processes as: data collection, transmission, processing, quality checking, analysis, display and feedback 3 4. Evaluations of HISs across these processes have highlighted several challenges including poor communication between health system stakeholders, unavailability of individual data at district and national levels and lack of resources to support timely and tailored use of large volumes of data 5 6…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perceptions of data processes in mobile-based versus paper-based health information systems for maternal, newborn and child health: a qualitative study in Andhra Pradesh, India

et al. 2015

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BackgroundMany maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) programmes have paired community health workers with mobile technologies to strengthen the ability of health information systems (HIS) to track women and children across time and beyond the clinical setting. However, little is known regarding the comparative effectiveness of using mobile technologies to enhance HIS data in resource-poor settings.MethodsFocus group discussions were conducted with community health workers called Health Activists (HAs; n=30), Community Organisation Leaders (n=28), HA Trainers (n=21), district and tribal area officials (n=3) and State Officials (n=4). We analysed user perceptions along seven key HIS processes: data collection, transmission, processing, analysis, display, quality checking and feedback.ResultsThe mobile-based health information system (mHIS) was found to be supportive of the MNCH continuum of care by improving the regularity and timeliness of access to robust data. Respondents noted that data errors were reduced in real time through automated error checking and data processing, which also reduced users’ workloads. The mHIS additionally enabled users to analyse both individual and aggregate data, allowing them to identify specific individuals in need of services or training as well as to identify general trends in service delivery. The system's data display and feedback mechanisms were viewed as improving data use for decision-making. The remaining challenges of the mHIS versus the paper-based HIS included resource, infrastructural and technological barriers that hindered efficient use over time.ConclusionsAs compared to paper-based HIS systems, mobile technologies can improve health information processes in resource-poor settings. More efforts are needed to ensure sufficient financial investment, training and use of mHIS data at all levels of the HIS.

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“…A recent review (Ramakrishnan et al 2012a) examined the status of programmatic interventions to improve maternal nutrition in India, and therefore we did not conduct a full review of programs targeting essential inputs to improve maternal nutrition. The findings of the Ramakrishnan review show that some of the inputs are addressed by the ICDS and NRHM programs through evidence-based interventions.…”

Section: Results: Essential Inputs For Maternal Nutritionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A previously conducted review (Ramakrishnan et al 2012a) examined the inclusion of interventions for maternal nutrition in the national policies, and this section draws on that review document. Below, we summarize the findings on the essential inputs for child nutrition and maternal nutrition that are currently promoted by ICDS and the NRHM.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Operational Evidence Base for Delivering Direct Nutrition Interventions in India: A Desk Review

et al. 2013

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The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), established in 1975, provides evidence-based policy solutions to sustainably end hunger and malnutrition and reduce poverty. The Institute conducts research, communicates results, optimizes partnerships, and builds capacity to ensure sustainable food production, promote healthy food systems, improve markets and trade, transform agriculture, build resilience, and strengthen institutions and governance. Gender is considered in all of the Institute's work. IFPRI collaborates with partners around the world, including development implementers, public institutions, the private sector, and farmers' organizations, to ensure that local, national, regional, and global food policies are based on evidence. IFPRI is a member of the CGIAR Consortium.

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Public Health Interventions, Barriers, and Opportunities for Improving Maternal Nutrition in India

Cited by 38 publications

References 10 publications

Beliefs and practices regarding nutrition during pregnancy and lactation in a rural area in Karnataka, India: a qualitative study

Beliefs and practices regarding nutrition during pregnancy and lactation in a rural area in Karnataka, India: a qualitative study

Perceptions of data processes in mobile-based versus paper-based health information systems for maternal, newborn and child health: a qualitative study in Andhra Pradesh, India

The Operational Evidence Base for Delivering Direct Nutrition Interventions in India: A Desk Review

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