Food Practices and Beliefs During Pregnancy and Post-partum Among the Tribal Women of Assam: A Study Among the Five Tribes of Margherita Subdivision of Tinsukia District, Assam

Abstract

This research article attempts to analyse the food habits, food preferences, choices and restrictions of the tribal women during pregnancy and postnatal care. This research has covered five major tribes of Assam such as Hajongs, Misings, Sonowal Kacharis, Semas and Tangsas, mostly concentrated in Margherita subdivision, which is a hub of 13 tribes, bordering Arunachal Pradesh. The article aims at exploring the sociocultural factors influencing food choices, reasons behind adopting a particular food habit or food restrictions and sociocultural factors affecting prenatal and postnatal care. The study was conducted in 34 villages of Margherita subdivision of Tinsukia district. Mixed method and research approach was adopted to collect both quantitative and qualitative data from the study. Primary data were collected through standard methods and techniques, namely household survey schedule, observation, and extensive and in-depth personal interviews (semi-structured and open-ended) with key informants. Qualitative data were transcribed through the narrative analysis approach. The finding reveals that each tribe practises their unique food habits related to their physical environment. Sociocultural factors such as religion and customs have a significant influence on pregnancy as well as postnatal health care, food preference and avoidance.