Squatter Settlements: COMMUNITY BASED PRIMARY HEALTH CARE Initiaitves

Introduction

In two squatter settlements of Karachi a study was conducted in 2008, to describe the changes in eating habits of women during in pregnancy with particular reference to aversions and cravings.

Methodology

Study was conducted at two field sites of Urban Health Program, Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University. A survey questionnaire was used to collect the information from multi and primi-gravida by using convenient sampling method. Duration of study was one month.

Results

About 53.8% women experienced a change in their eating habits during pregnancy. 48.7% were having decrease in quantity of food intake, major cause was nausea (43.6%) and psychological food perversions and 5.1% were having increase in appetite. Among these women, 10.3% were craving for non food items during pregnancy. Clay eating was common among 5.1% women. 12.8% were found craving for ice, 5.1% for pickles and 23.1% for beatle-nuts and gutka. About 48.7% women were averted to certain food during pregnancy such as meat (17.9%), tea (7.7%), fish (7.7%), milk (5.1%) and other items (10.3%). 12.8% women avoid taking sour and spicy food, About 25.6% follow the dietary plans suggested by doctors and mother while remaining 74.4% don't follow any dietary plan.

Conclusion

Study results show that women of these areas had no idea how much proper balanced diet important during pregnancy. This indicates that they should be educated about the effect of balanced diet on health of both the mother and the fetus.