ORIGINAL: Association between Consumption of Geophagic Substance and Helminthic Infection among Pregnant Women, in Kisii County, Kenya

West Afr J Med . 2022 Jun 24;39(6):557-562.

Abstract

Background: Soil-transmitted helminths constitutes the commonest of human parasitic infections worldwide. Millions of pregnant women who consume geophagic substances across the globe are predisposed to adverse maternal and prenatal outcomes including risk of helminthic infections. The association between type of geophagic substances consumed and helminthic infections among pregnant women in Kisii County is not documented.

Objective: This study endeavoured to determine the association between geophagic substances and helminth infections among pregnant women in Kisii County, Kenya.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study, where 183 pregnant women were recruited by purposive sampling. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on the socio-demographic characteristics and the geophagic substances consumed. Their stool samples were examined microscopically by direct saline method and further confirmed using Formal-ether concentration technique to identify intestinal helminths species.

Results: Simple logistic regression and odds ratio (OR) was used to analyze data. Results showed that there was a significant association between geophagy practice and contraction of helminthic infections (p=0.015). Notably, there was a significant positive association between ant hill soil consumption and contraction of helminth infections (OR=2.67, p=0.050).

Conclusion: Consumption of anthill soil by pregnant women has significant association with contraction of helminthic infections. Public health awareness on the increased risk of contracting helminthic infections due to anti hill soil consumption by pregnant women is recommended.

Authors G G Ratemo ¹, S K Musyoki ¹, B O Nyanchongi ¹