Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development
  • Year: 2017
  • Volume: 8
  • Issue: 4

Exploring Dietary Practices and Food Habits: A Focus Group Study among Rural Women in Mulshi, Pune

  • Author:
  • Pratima Jasti1, Devaki Gokhale1, Radhika Hedaoo1, Harshada Thakur2, Abhay Saraf3
  • Total Page Count: 8
  • Page Number: 1023 to 1030

1Assistant Professor, Symbiosis School of Biomedical Sciences, Symbiosis International University, Pune, India

2Research Scholar, Symbiosis School of Biomedical Sciences, Symbiosis International University, Pune, India

3Professor, Symbiosis Centre for Health Care, Symbiosis International University, Pune, India

Online published on 29 December, 2017.

Abstract

To study current food habits of rural population across SCOPE villages in Pune through qualitative research and educate them regarding the healthy dietary choices.

Phase I: 7 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) among 7 target groups (infancy to geriatrics-10 respondents each) for duration of 1–2 hours were carried out. Phase II: the reported recipes were developed; nutritive value of each recipe was calculated and compiled into a booklet

Mothers of infants/toddlers routinely fed their children with regular family diet indicating the unawareness of weaning to be initiated at 6 months and ignorance towards significance of special foods needed for growth and development. Nutritional knowledge and practices among pregnant, lactating and menopausal women was limited due to poverty and lack of awareness. Interestingly, geriatrics believed that engaging in physical activity and eating preparations made of millets is a key to good health.

Nutrition education in schools and communities would help in addressing gaps in nutrition knowledge/practices

Development and compilation of recipe booklet as a key tool for nutrition education.

Keywords

Focus Group Discussion, Recipes, Nutrition education, Dietary practices