Maternal beliefs regarding diet during common childhood illnesses.

General illiteracy, superstitions, and a lack of dietary education are major problems in India. Specifically, mothers' beliefs about infant and child feeding may lead to the malnutrition of many infants and children in India. Mothers sometimes unnecessarily restrict the provision of food to their children during illness. The authors investigated the prevalent maternal beliefs in Kutumba, Aurangabad, Bihar, regarding diet during common childhood illness. 35 Anganwadi areas were randomly selected, with five mothers in each area administered a questionnaire. Each mother had at least one child younger than age five. 94% of the mothers were illiterate and of low socioeconomic status. A table presents preferred and restricted foods during different illnesses and marasmus. The authors found that instead of providing more nutrition during illnesses to meet children's increased nutritional demand, mothers restrict food, a practice with potentially disastrous consequences. Such beliefs are deeply rooted and can only be changed with vigorous health education and improvement in literacy. Appropriate nutritional education must therefore be imparted to mothers of children with common ailments.