Geophagy in pregnancy and health risks in a suburban area in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Geophagy is the ingestion of earthy substances such as soil, clay or mud. It is a form of pica, which is the tendency or craving to eat substances other than normal food or substances of no nutritional value. Geophagy is practiced by humans globally but has been noticed to be commoner among pregnant women and children. Such a practice may have health implications. Hence the study aimed at determining if it conferred any health risks.
Method: The study was a cross-sectional study of 384 pregnant women in an antenatal clinic in a sub-urban cottage hospital in Katsina-Ala LG of Benue state Nigeria. Pregnant women who presented for ANC were recruited consecutively. Those who had taken anthelminthic during the pregnancy were excluded. An interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on social demographic characteristics and geophagic behaviour. Stool samples for stool microscopy and blood samples for Packed Cell Volume were also taken.
Results: The prevalence of geophagy was 17.7%, helminthiasis was 12.2%, while anaemia was 15.9%. There was a significant relationship between the practice of geophagy and 2 helminthiasis (÷ = 136.8, p<0.0001, Odd ratio 36.5, CI=16.6- 80.5, p<0.0001). However, geophagy had no statistical relationship with anaemia.
Conclusion: Geophagy is common and it is associated with helminthiasis. Screening for geophagy and deworming may be advantageous among pregnant women.