FOOD AND NUTRITION BELIEFS AND PRACTICES ASSOCIATED WITH THE LIFE CYCLE OF SPANISH-SPEAKING WOMEN

Abstract

Forty Spanish speaking women attending a WIC clinic in Tucson, Arizona were interviewed about food and nutrition beliefs and practices during the menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation periods and about their attitudes concerning cravings and pica practices. The sample was composed of two different age groups, younger women and older women. Findings showed that a majority of respondents held one or more dietary beliefs and practices pertaining to the various periods of the life cycle. Most of these beliefs and practices appeared to be cultural patterns, and the respondents appeared to be influenced by an older female relative. Age and education were associated with these beliefs and practices. Some of these practices could lead to a diminished nutritional status. Specialized nutrition education programs need to be developed for this ethnic group to correct dietary misconceptions and change eating patterns during these crucial periods.