Food Aversion, Pica And Cravings Practices And Its Associated Factors Among Preg-nant Women Attending Antenatal Care In Nifas Silk Sub-City Health Facilities, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021

Abstract

Getachew Sale, Mekdelawit Fikadu, Getu Gizaw, Dessalegn Tamiru

Background: Although food cravings, aversions, and pica behaviors are practiced globally, they are more common in African countries.No clear evidence indicated on malpractices during pregnancy. Therefore, this study aims to investigate pica, food aversion, and craving practices and their associated factors in the study area.

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of pica practice, food aversion, craving and its associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Nifas Silk sub-city health facilities, Addis Ababa Ethiopia, 2021

Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 502 pregnant mothers from July 15 to August 15, 2021. Datawereenterd to EpiData version 3.1and analyzed bySPSS version 21.The binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with pica, food aversion and craving.

Results: The prevalence of pica practices,food aversion and craving were 22%,40.8% and 85% respectively. Maternaleducation levelstatus [AOR, 2.95(1.14,7.62)], using family planning[AOR, 2.35 (1.34, 4.12)], Iron/folate supplementation [AOR, 2.45 (1.47,4.05)] and havingpregnancy related complication[AOR, 2.45 (1.47, 4.05)] were significantly associated with pica practice. Maternal age19-24 and 25-29 years[AOR, 0.17 (0.06,0.44)] and [AOR, 0.56 (0.34,0.89] respectively, ANC visit [AOR, 0.14(0.08, 0.34], Nutritional status[AOR, 2.25 (1.06, 4.78)], IFA supplementation [AOR, 0.20 (0.10, 0.38)], Pregnancy related complication were factors associated with food craving. Additionally, maternal income[AOR,0.44(0.24,0.81)],family planninguser[AOR,3.45(2.21,5.40)], IFA supplementation[AOR, 2.47(1.59, 3.85)] were factors associated with food aversion.

Conclusion: Pica, food aversion and food craving during were prevalent. Maternal educational level, family planning users, iron folate supplementation and pregnancy complications were significantly influenced pica practice. Maternal age, ANC and IFA supplementation were decreases the food craving practices while maternal undernutrition increases food craving. Additionally, family planning users,IFA supplementation and income were factors associated with food aversion. Therefore, those malpractices should be decreased by working on identified factors. Increases the maternal health services during pregnancy should strengthen to alleviate these malpractices.

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