The Influence of Traditional Beliefs of Maternal Care on Obesity in Young Mothers: A Qualitative Analysis

Human pregnancy and delivery are normal physiological phenomena as in the case of all other mammals. However, in all cultures it is treated as a complex process. Most of the rituals and traditions of maternity care are for the wellbeing of the mother and child. Nevertheless, some traditional rituals are unscientific. They may cause psychological and physiological problems leading to obesity or may even cause obesity in children. Unfortunately, the educated people also tend to follow these rituals. The present study explores the traditional beliefs of maternal care, which causes psychological and physiological problems and how they lead to obesity. A purposive sample of 12 young obese mothers was interviewed. Using Smith's phenomenological method the theme was established through coding, categorizing and labeling. From 55 significant statements, 3 themes emerged. Traditional beliefs that develop obesity are (a) Lowering physical exercise by restricting household activities and hobbies (b) Depressive symptoms due to detachment from spouse (c) Unhealthy food habits such as consuming more confectionaries, ghee and fast food.