Background: The practise of geophagy is associated with
maternal, neonatal and childhood morbidities and mortalities. Pregnancy
complications, central nervous system, iron deficiency, shortness of breath,
severe constipation, fatigue, appendicitis and cancer were reported as the major
public health concerns linked with the practice of geophagy.
Aims: The purpose of this chapter is to provide insights
into geophagy and to promote awareness of its causes, practices, and
implications.
Methodology: An exploratory mixed-method sequential design
was employed to develop an environmental health and promotion intervention
program to mitigate geophagy amongst women of childbearing age in Tshwane
District, Gauteng Province. The study was conducted in the Tshwane District,
Gauteng Province, South Africa. The study was run between September 2023 and
October 2024. Experimental research was conducted at the Biochemistry
laboratory at the University of Johannesburg using the ICP Mass Spectrometry to
examine the chemical composition of clay soil eaten by geophagic women of
childbearing age in the Tshwane District, Gauteng Province. Face-to-face
in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with women of
childbearing age and Nurses in the antenatal care and family planning units. A purposive
sampling technique was followed to select and include study participants. The
sample size reached was 99 women of childbearing age, including pregnant women
and 20 Nurses, determined by the data saturation, which is the point at which
participants are no longer providing new information.
Results: More than 50% of pregnant women practised geophagy
during their gestation period to supplement their nutrient, vitamins and
minerals deficiencies. Nurses perceived that people who practise geophagy are iron-deficient.
Thirty-nine samples were assessed to detect the chemical composition and
potential health risks associated with the practise of geophagy. 18 Trace
elements were detected from the samples containing both essential and
non-essential elements. The potential health risks reported to be linked with
the practice of geophagy included cancer, appendicitis, severe constipation,
dental enamel damage, iron deficiency, iron deficiency anaemia, fatigue,
shortness of breath, lead poisoning, pregnancy complications, central nervous
system damage, and birth defects.
Conclusion: It is thus concluded that practise of geophagy
is harmful, containing toxic elements such as trace elements. The practise of
geophagy and commercialisation of geophagic must be discouraged to curb
health-related risks associated with the practise of geophagy. More research is
needed to understand geophagy better. We need to educate people about the risks
of geophagy and help those who are affected. Governments should make rules to
stop the sale of clay soil for eating. We should spread awareness about the
dangers of geophagy through campaigns and community programs.
Author(s) Details
Mohora Feida
Malebatja
Department of Public Health, School of Healthcare Sciences, Sefako Makgatho
Health Sciences University, Molotlegi Street, Ga-Rankuwa, 0208, P.O. Box 60,
Medunsa, 0204, South Africa.
Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/crgese/v6/6721
