PICA DISORDER: A STUDY OF AWARENESS AND PRACTICE AMONG CHILDBEARING POPULATION IN ANAMBRA STATE

Ogochukwu Ekwenchi, Henry Chigozie Duru, Richard Chinedu Ononiwu, Chikanne Joannes Ezeigbo

Abstract


This research investigated the awareness and practice bearing on pica disorder among childbearing women in Anambra State. Situated within the framework of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) model, the study was designed as a survey research. A sample of 400 women attending antenatal clinic at government hospitals in the three major cities of Onitsha, Awka and Nnewi was selected. A structured questionnaire was designed for data collection and a pilot study was conducted to test the questionnaires validity and reliability. Results revealed that a significant proportion of the childbearing women in Anambra State (53%) have experienced pica disorder manifesting in the form of the urge to eat non-consumables like clay, paper, sand, charcoal, etc. Similarly, almost all those who have experienced the disorder had this experience during pregnancy (90.4%). However, there is low awareness among the women that pica disorder is dangerous for the health of the mother (23%) and the child (29%). The research also discovered that the majority of the women (69.5%) who have experienced pica disorder did not seek medical advice towards solving the problem. It was concluded that the awareness level of pica disorder amongst childbearing women in Anambra State is yet to be satisfactory as their knowledge is largely restricted to the existence of the disorder and vulnerability of pregnant women to it, while they appear largely ignorant of its negative implications for the mother and the child. The research recommended that relevant health bodies should organize awareness campaigns aimed at sensitizing childbearing women on the dangers of eating non-consumables and the need to seek medical care when they experience such urge.

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