PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF PICA PRACTICE AMONG WOMEN IN NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA

Abstract

This study, titled Public Perception of Pica Practice Among Women in North-Central Nigeria, falls within the domain of health communication and is anchored in the Health Belief Model (HBM). A descriptive survey design was employed, with a questionnaire as the primary data collection instrument. The study sampled 400 women across the three senatorial districts of Kwara State, North-Central Nigeria. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), employing descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings from the socio-demographic analysis revealed a higher proportion of Muslim women compared to Christians in the sample. Socio-demographic variables were shown to significantly influence the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of pica among  respondents. The study identified a pica prevalence rate of 48.5%. Based on these findings, the study recommends targeted and coordinated awareness campaigns through various media outlets in North-Central Nigeria.