Geophagy as a risk factor for Soil-transmitted helminthic infections among pregnant women attending antenatal care at health institutions in Chiro Town, Eastern Ethiopia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Geophagia is recognized as a habit of compulsive eating of soil and is practiced globally, especially among African societies. It is especially common among pregnant women. This behavior may increase the risk of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, which can adversely affect maternal health. This study aimed to assess the association between geophagy and STH infections, as well as to identify related risk factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care at health institutions in Chiro Town, Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods

A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted from July 1 to September 30, 2022, among 404 pregnant women attending antenatal care at three public health facilities in Chiro Town, using a convenience sampling. Data on socio-demographic

SUBMITTER: Mesfin A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12661869 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature