Prevalence and Consumption Pattern of Kolanut Among Pregnant Women in Ibadan Metropolis

Abstract Background Kolanut is popular in Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan African countries where it is widely consumed in various social contexts. While some studies have suggested that kolanut is consumed by pregnant women, there is a dearth of information on the prevalence, consumption pattern and reasons for kolanut consumption. Methods This study investigated these gaps among pregnant women in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study involving 478 consenting pregnant women in all three trimesters and registered at health facilities in Ibadan was conducted. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric history and kolanut use during pregnancy. Google mapping of all the addresses of the respondents was exported into ArcGIS online to generate the maps. Association between kolanut use and respondent characteristics was investigated using Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. Results The mean age of the women was 28.7 ± 6.3 years, 50.8% had secondary level qualifications, 43.9% were semi-skilled workers. 38.7% were recruited in Primary Health Centres (PHCs), 18% from Secondary Health Centres, 22.6 from Tertiary Health Centres and 20.7 from Traditional Birth Assistants (TBA)/Faith Clinics. 162 (33.9%) of women reported kolanut in pregnancy and 140 (29.3%) in the index/current pregnancy. Frequency of use defined as high (every day), medium (thrice a week), low (≤ once a week) and quantity of use defined as high (≥ 1 nut at once), medium (half to < 1 lobe) and low (quarter to < half lobe). 26.9% reported frequent use, while 12.3% used in high quantity. A high consumption pattern was found with higher consumption at both Ibadan North East and Ibadan North Local Government areas. Significant associations were found between current kolanut use and Hausa respondents (p = 0.014), educational level; secondary (p = 0.032), tertiary (p = 0.006), TBA (p = 0.005). Majority (93.7%) used kolanut to prevent spitting, nausea, and vomiting. Conclusion This study has shown that kolanut use is common among pregnant women and it is consumed in large quantities. The results of this study justifyy research into consequences of kolanut use in pregnant women.