Food Consumption Beliefs of Torajanese Pregnant
Mother

Food Consumption Beliefs of Torajanese Pregnant
Mother

belief, diet, habits,
pregnancy

Introduction: Various factors impact the health of pregnant women,
including access to healthcare facilities and a nutritious diet. Cultural
norms and beliefs prevalent in Indonesian society may influence food
consumption patterns.
Purpose: This study explores dietary restrictions and preferred food
choices during pregnancy among Toraja ethnic pregnant women.
Methods: Employing a qualitative research methodology, specifically a
descriptive phenomenological approach, this study was conducted within
the jurisdiction of the Ge'tengan Community Health Center, Mengkendek
District, Tana Toraja, Indonesia. The research adopted purposive sampling,
involving eight pregnant women as participants. Data was collected
through individual interviews, lasting 45 to 60 minutes for each
participant.
Results: The findings revealed three overarching themes: prohibited foods
during pregnancy, reduced staple food intake, and the influence of elders
on dietary practices and beliefs.
Conclusion: Leveraging traditional wisdom regarding dietary
recommendations can serve as valuable input in designing nutritional
education programs tailored to meet the needs of Toraja ethnic pregnant
women. Meanwhile, there are some foods that mothers need as support in
fulfilling nutrition, and this is contrary to health. Therefore, it is very
important to raise public awareness by disseminating accurate
information about nutrition for pregnant women in the Toraja tribe by
maintaining culture if it is not contrary to health, then helping people to
adapt to cultures that benefit health called negotiation, and changing or
replacing culture if the culture or habit is detrimental.

Euis Dedeh Komariah1*

, Nikodemus Sili Beda1, Rosmina Situngkir1 & Kristia Novia1

https://doi.org/10.37363/bnr.2024.53381

18 July 2024

peri irawan

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