Socio-cultural Barriers and Facilitators to Optimal Dietary Practices During Pregnancy: A Scoping Review Protocol

This research project, titled “Socio-cultural Barriers and Facilitators to Optimal Dietary Practices During Pregnancy: A Scoping Review,” aims to systematically explore and map existing evidence on the socio-cultural and socioeconomic factors that influence dietary practices among pregnant women in rural settings. Adequate nutrition during pregnancy is essential for maternal health, fetal development, and positive birth outcomes; however, dietary choices are often shaped by cultural beliefs, food taboos, family influence, religious practices, gender norms, social support systems, and economic conditions. The purpose of this review is to identify both the barriers that limit healthy dietary practices, such as restrictive traditions, poverty, food insecurity, and limited autonomy, and the facilitators that promote improved nutrition, including family support, community health worker involvement, nutrition education, and culturally appropriate counseling. The review will examine literature published between 2015 and 2025 and synthesize findings from qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies conducted in rural communities and health-care settings worldwide. The expected outcome of this research is a comprehensive evidence map highlighting key themes, knowledge gaps, and opportunities for future research and intervention. The findings will support the development of culturally sensitive and evidence-based maternal nutrition programs, policies, and antenatal care strategies aimed at improving dietary practices and pregnancy outcomes among rural populations.