Prevalence of geophagia and its contributing factors among pregnant women at Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital, Pretoria

• Published in: African health sciences Vol. 16; no. 4; pp. 972 - 978
• Main Authors: Macheka, L.R, Olowoyo, J.O, Matsela, L, Khine, A.A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Uganda Makerere University Medical School 01-12-2016; Makerere Medical School
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital; Female; Geophagia; Geophagy; Hospitals; Humans; Pica - ethnology; Pica - psychology; Pregnancy; pregnant women; Prenatal Care; Pretoria; Prevalence; Research methodology; Risk Factors; Sexual Partners - psychology; Socioeconomic Factors; South Africa; Statistical analysis; Womens health; Young Adult; Pretoria, South Africa; Pretoria; pregnant women; Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital; Geophagia
• ISSN: 1680-6905; 1729-0503; 1680-6905
• DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v16i4.13

Introduction: Geophagia is very common among pregnant women,
particularly in Africa. There are many reasons given for geophagia such
as cultural, medicinal and religious, making it an acceptable norm
regardless of health risks involved. Objectives: The study explored
prevalence and factors influencing geophagia among women visiting an
antenatal clinic in Pretoria. Methods: A quantitative survey was done
on a convenience sample of 597 pregnant women and structured interviews
conducted. Statistical analysis was done using simple percentage and
interview data analyzed using Epi Info statistical software. Results:
Geophagia was reported by 54.0% of the women (n=323) and of these,
75.2% (n=243) ate at least 3 teaspoons per day. Reasons for the
practice ranged from simple unexplained craving to belief that soil
acts as an iron supplement. The study revealed that education levels
did not act as a contributing factor as both literate and illiterate
women were consumers. Partners of consumers played a key role in
influencing the practice as most consumers were not married.
Conclusion: Geophagia is practiced by a considerable proportion of
pregnant women in this area. Greater vigilance may be needed as part of
the antenatal classes to avoid potentially harmful effects of the
habit.