*Cultural Variation in Feeding Occupation of Children in the Age Group of 5 to 7 Years in a Metropolitan City in Maharashtra: An Exploratory Qualitative Study*

Introduction

The study focuses on the influence of cultural variation on feeding occupations in children aged 5–7 years in Mumbai. Feeding practices are shaped by cultural, social, and economic factors. Parental feeding beliefs and practices vary across cultures and impact children’s eating behaviors, preferences, and health outcomes. 

Key insights include:  

- Parents’ feeding practices reflect cultural values and customs, sometimes clashing with mainstream norms.  

- Feeding behaviors like pressuring children to eat or restricting food intake may negatively influence eating habits and health outcomes.  

- Socio-economic factors and ethnicity influence feeding practices, including the choice of traditional or modern foods.  

Occupational therapists need to understand these cultural differences to design effective interventions promoting healthy eating in children.

Research Questions

Primary Research Question:

How does cultural variation affect the feeding occupation of children aged 5 to 7 years in a metropolitan city in Maharashtra?  

Secondary Questions:

Not applicable.  

Objectives

Primary Objective:

To explore the cultural variations in feeding occupations of children aged 5–7 years in Mumbai.  

Secondary Objective:

To investigate precursors and contextual influences on parental feeding practices and knowledge about the childcare food environment.  

Methodology

Study Design:

This is an exploratory qualitative study aimed at understanding feeding occupations through participants’ lived experiences.  

Study Duration:

18 months, from November 2023 to April 2025.  

Study Setting:

Data will be collected from caregivers in their home settings.  

Sampling Technique:

Purposive sampling to ensure diverse representation of ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.  

Sample Size:

Determined by data saturation, with an estimated minimum of 30 participants based on qualitative research norms.  

Inclusion Criteria:

- Parents of typically developing children aged 5–7 years.  

- Participants residing in Mumbai suburban areas for at least five years.  

- Parents from nuclear and joint families of diverse ethnicities and socio-economic statuses.  

Exclusion Criteria:

- Parents unwilling to participate.  

- Children with congenital anomalies.  

Data Collection Procedure

Permissions: 

Approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) is required. Written consent will be obtained from all participants.  

Recruitment:

Participants will be recruited from schools near KEM Hospital.  

Process:

1. Sociodemographic Data:Collect personal information of participants.  

2. Semi-Structured Interviews: Conducted in participants’ homes using a pre-validated multilingual questionnaire (English, Marathi, or Hindi).  

3. Recording: Audio recordings of interviews, stored as transcripts with confidentiality maintained.  

4. Interview Content: Probing questions focusing on feeding practices, routines, cultural influences, and challenges.  

Questionnaire Themes

The pre-validated questionnaire addresses the following:  

1. Who handles feeding in the family?  

2. How are children involved in meal selection and preparation?  

3. Are there specific cultural rules or routines guiding feeding practices?  

4. Influence of traditional foods and beliefs on children’s eating habits.  

5. Balancing cultural traditions with modern dietary influences.  

6. Challenges in introducing new foods while respecting cultural norms.  

7. Observed changes in cultural feeding practices over time.  

Data Analysis

Saturation Point:Data collection stops when no new information emerges.  

Thematic Analysis:

  Line-by-line coding of interview transcripts to identify emerging concepts.  

 Similar concepts grouped into sub-themes, forming overarching themes.  

 Themes derived strictly from the data, avoiding preconceived notions.  

Review of Literature

The study builds on existing research exploring cultural and environmental factors influencing feeding practices across different ethnicities and socio-economic contexts. 

For example:  

- Hispanic parents’ feeding practices linked to cultural and environmental factors.  

- Food taboos in Benin affecting nutrient intake during pregnancy.  

- Brazilian immigrant mothers adapting feeding practices based on sociocultural changes.  

Significance of the Study

1. Understanding Cultural Nuances: Helps to identify how cultural variations influence feeding occupations.  

2. Developing Responsive Strategies: Occupational therapists can use insights to create culturally tailored interventions.  

3. Promoting Healthy Eating: Encourages positive feeding practices while respecting cultural traditions.  

4. Bridging Gaps in Literature: Addresses the lack of research on cultural feeding practices in India.  

Ethical Considerations

- Participants’ identities and responses will remain confidential.  

- Voluntary participation with the option to withdraw at any time.  

- No financial compensation offered.  

- Findings may be published without revealing participants’ identities.  

Expected Outcomes

This study aims to provide a deeper understanding of how cultural diversity shapes feeding occupations. The findings will support professionals in developing culturally responsive interventions to improve children’s health and well-being.