Awareness, acceptance, and consumption pattern of millets among ever-married women in an urban area of Delhi: A cross-sectional observational study.

Abstract

Background: Millets are a great source of fiber, minerals, and vitamins and are well-known for their excellent nutritional value. They have been part of traditional diets in India. However, for a variety of reasons, including industrialization, urbanization, and the availability of alternate foods, millets have become less popular over time.

Objectives: The study was conducted to assess millet awareness, acceptance, and consumption among married women in an urban area of Delhi. 

Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted to collect information on a sample of 262 married women residing in the Tilak Nagar urban area of Delhi. A semi-structured questionnaire was developed to collect details on their demographic profile, awareness, behaviour, and consumption patterns.

Results: The mean age of women was 42.5 years, with the majority aged 35–44 (32.1%) and 45–64 (37%). It was found that 78.9% of middle-class women consume millets at least once a month, compared to 64.9% of lower-class women (P value 0.044, ?²=4.053). 70.9% of the women who were aware of millet significantly consumed them.

Conclusion: The findings showed that consuming millet is strongly linked to both socioeconomic status and awareness about millet.

Keywords: awareness, behaviour, consumption, health, married women, millet.