Exploring Dietary Practices and Food Habits: A Focus Group Study among Rural Women in Mulshi, Pune Jasti Pratima1, Gokhale Devaki1, Hedaoo Radhika1, Thakur Harshada2, Saraf Abhay3 1Assistant Professor, Symbiosis School of Biomedical Sciences, Symbiosis International University, Pune, India 2Research Scholar, Symbiosis School of Biomedical Sciences, Symbiosis International University, Pune, India 3Professor, Symbiosis Centre for Health Care, Symbiosis International University, Pune, India Online published on 29 December, 2017. Abstract Purpose To study current food habits of rural population across SCOPE villages in Pune through qualitative research and educate them regarding the healthy dietary choices. Methodology Phase I: 7 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) among 7 target groups (infancy to geriatrics-10 respondents each) for duration of 1–2 hours were carried out. Phase II: the reported recipes were developed; nutritive value of each recipe was calculated and compiled into a booklet Results & discussion Mothers of infants/toddlers routinely fed their children with regular family diet indicating the unawareness of weaning to be initiated at 6 months and ignorance towards significance of special foods needed for growth and development. Nutritional knowledge and practices among pregnant, lactating and menopausal women was limited due to poverty and lack of awareness. Interestingly, geriatrics believed that engaging in physical activity and eating preparations made of millets is a key to good health. Research implications Nutrition education in schools and communities would help in addressing gaps in nutrition knowledge/practices Novelty/Originality Development and compilation of recipe booklet as a key tool for nutrition education. Top Keywords Focus Group Discussion, Recipes, Nutrition education, Dietary practices. Top |