Exploring cultural feeding practices and food taboos among mothers of children six months to three years with a view to develop a complementary feeding module A mixed method approach

This study aims to explore cultural feeding practices and food taboos among mothers of children aged six months to three years in Gorakhpur Uttar Pradesh. Childhood nutrition during the complementary feeding period plays a crucial role in growth and development yet cultural beliefs and traditional practices often influence child feeding decisions. This study will use a mixed method sequential explanatory design. In the first phase quantitative data will be collected from mothers using a structured questionnaire to assess cultural feeding practices food taboos and related socio demographic factors. In the second phase qualitative in depth interviews will be conducted to explore experiences beliefs and perceptions of mothers regarding complementary feeding and food taboos. Findings from both phases will be integrated to develop a culturally appropriate complementary feeding module. The study will include mothers aged eighteen to sixty years who have children aged six months to three years and are able to communicate in Hindi or English. A total sample of fifty participants will be recruited for the quantitative phase and qualitative interviews will continue until data saturation is achieved. This study expects to provide useful insights for designing culturally sensitive educational interventions to improve complementary feeding practices and child nutrition.