ArticleBMC nutrition2026
Exploring life cycle and health-related food taboos and their associated reasons among Puntland - Somalia communities: a mixed methods cross sectional study.
Article in BMC nutrition, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Abstract
backgroundFood taboos are culturally rooted dietary restrictions that model food choices and many compromise nutritional status specifically among vulnerable populations. The study examined the prevalence of food taboos, tabooed foods and explored reasons for their existence among different segments of Puntland communities.
methodsA community based mixed methods cross-sectional study was conducted between September and December across the nine regions of Puntland state of Somalia. A total of 290 participants were selected using multi-stage sampling. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires while qualitative data were obtained through 18 key informant interviews and 37 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) involving pregnant and lactating women, elderly men and women, women of reproductive age and adult men. Data on demographic characteristics were analyzed using SPSS version 31, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically using systematic text condensation.
resultsOverall, 88% of participants reported the existence of food taboos in their communities. Pregnancy and lactation were the life stages with the most restrictions (32%) and the least were during menstruation (12%). Commonly tabooed foods during pregnancy included honey, ghee, sheep meat, chili, papaya and whole grains primarily due to beliefs linking them to miscarriage, fetal deformities and labor complications. Liver was universally restricted for children under two years due to perceived speech delay. Men also faced prohibitions such organ meats except liver, animal head, neck and leg meat, considered foods for females and associated with shame, weakness and cowardice. Regional variations were observed with certain taboos being specific to regions, mostly Mudug and Eyl district of Nugaal region.
conclusionFood taboos are common throughout Puntland but they are more rampant in Mudug region and Eyl district of Nugaal region. Some taboos reported during menstruation and illness have some scientific backup and may contribute to better management of these conditions. However, taboos like those reported during pregnancy and lactation may reduce dietary diversity and negatively impact overall nutrition and health outcomes in vulnerable groups.
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