Assessment of pica and associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Chelstone level on hospital and Mtendere clinic, Lusaka district, Zambia.
Date
2022
Authors
Ngoma, Thelma
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
Pica prevalence rate among pregnant women is estimated to be about 52% to 86% in African
countries. In Zambia, there is paucity of evidence on the prevalence of pica in the country
despite the evidence in literature of harmful health outcomes for both mother and child. The
aim of this study, was to establish the prevalence of pica and associated factors among pregnant
women at Chelstone Level-one Hospital and Mtendere clinic, in Lusaka District in Zambia.
The study was cross-sectional and utilized mixed methods in data collection and analysis. The
study population included pregnant women aged 15 - 49 years. Data was collected using
structured questionnaire which had sections for demographic and socio-economic
characteristics and anthropometry. Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) was measured
using a non-stretchable adult MUAC tape for pregnant and lactating women and the
haemoglobin concentration was measured using the Abx-micros automated machine.
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 was used to analyse data.
Descriptive statistics were used to describe the study population. A chi-square test was
conducted to establish the association between pica and various categorical variables including
the haemoglobin levels and the women’s nutritional status. Logistic regression was conducted
to establish factors that are independently associated with pica. A total of 372 pregnant women
were interviewed in this study. Majority of the participants 48.7% (n=181) were between the
ages of 26-35 years. Prevalence of pica in the present study was 38.2% (n=142). Soil [84.6%
(n=120)} was the most consumed and favoured followed by ice {11.9% (n=17)}, charcoal
{3.5% (n=5)} was the least consumed. Majority of participants indulged in their pica practice
due to cravings {62% (n=88)}, sensory reasons such as the pleasant texture, taste, or smell
{16.9% (n=27)}, for controlling nausea and vomiting {15.5% (n=22)} and others. There was
no significant association between nutrition status, hemoglobin level and pica practice.
However, logistic regression showed a statistically significant association between history of
pica and pica practice (OR=0.169; 95%CI: 0.100-0.286; p=0.00). The study accentuates the
need for health education and counselling on pica among pregnant women.
Key words: Pica, Pregnant women, Nutrition status, Heamoglobin
Description
Thesis
Keywords
Pregnant women--Nutrition status. , Pregnant women--Weight gain.