Geophagy as a Risk Factor for Geohelminth Infections among Women in Enugwu Agidi Community: Anambra State, Nigeria

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of soil- transmitted helminthes and geophagy as a behavioural risk factor among women in Enugwu-Agidi, Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria.

Study Design: A community based cross sectional study, discriptive study.

Place and Duration of Study: Women in Enugwu-agidi community, Anambra state, between May to December, 2023.

Methodology: A total of 264 women aged below 20 and above 51 years old were enrolled for the study and a total of 264 faecal samples collected and analyzed using direct faecal smear and formol-ether sedimentation techniques for estimation of prevalence. Both quantitative and qualitative surveys involving in-depth interviews and pretested questionnaires were used in determining the predisposing risk factors, the level of knowledge and impact of geophagy among both pregnant and non-pregnant women. The relationship between each variable and geohelminths prevalence was analyzed using Chi square. Test of statistical significance was set at P-value of 0.05 (95%) confidence interval.

Results: Of the 264 faecal samples examined, 108 (40.9%) were positive with one or two STHs eggs/larvae. The eggs/larvae recovered from stool samples examined were Ascaris lumbricoides 58(53.7%), Hookworm 26(24.1%) and Trichuris trichiura 24(22.2%). The study showed that 61.3% of women interviewed practiced geophagy at the time of the study. Prevalence of STHs parasites was higher (61.3%) among those who practiced geophagy than those who do not (17.2%). Similarly, pregnant women who practiced geophagy were more infected with STHs parasites (63.8%) than those who were not pregnant (56.3%). The preference for the soil type was ranked as clay, termite mounds from tree trunk and hut bricks. Perceived reasons for geophagy included dimished cravings when they eat clay, prevention of vomiting and nausea and others ingested soil for taste. Possible health risks involved in geophagy such as abdominal discomfort, heartburn.

Conclusion: Consumption of geophagic clay has significant association with contraction of STHs infections. Sensitization and mass education of women on the dangers of geophagy is needed. Guidelines should be developed for implementation of routine faecal examination screening procedure for all women especially pregnant women attending antenatal clinics so that mass management can be offered to all pregnant women.