Non-food Substances Research Articles

Phthalates: The Main Issue in Quality Control in the Beverage Industry

Phthalate esters (PAEs) are a group of chemicals used to improve the flexibility and durability of plastics. The chemical properties and the resistance to high temperatures promote their degradation and release into the environment. Food and beverages can be contaminated by PAEs through the migration from packaging material because they are not covalently bound to plastic and also via different kinds of environmental sources or during processing. For instance, alcoholic drinks in plastic containers are a particular risk, since the ethanol contained provides a good solubility for PAEs. According to its role as an endocrine disruptor compound and its adverse effects on the liver, kidney, and reproductive and respiratory systems, the International Agency on Research Cancer (IARC) classified di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) as a possible human carcinogen. For this reason, to control human exposure to PAEs, many countries prohibited their use in food as non-food substances. For example, in Europe, the Commission Regulation (EU) 2018/2005 restricts the use of DEHP, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), and diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP) to a concentration equal to or below 0.1 by weight in plasticizers in articles used by consumers or in indoor areas. There are reports from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that some beverages (and food as well), particularly fruit juices, contain high levels of phthalates. In some cases, the deliberate adulteration of soft drinks with phthalate esters has been reported. This paper would like to show the difficulties of performing PAE analysis in beverage matrices, in particular alcoholic beverages, as well as the main solutions provided for quality control in the industrial branches.

Pattern of Food Cravings in Pregnant Women Receiving Antenatal Care in a Community Setting

Introduction: Food cravings are a sudden desire to eat certain types of foods during pregnancy. Worldwide, it is a common phenomenon. Objectives: To find out the pattern of craving foods and examine to what extent the craving desires were fulfilled. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 pregnant women in a community setting. Data were collected during January to March 2020 by face-to-face interview with a semi-structured questionnaire. Sample women were selected purposively. Results: Mean age of the sample women was 23.59 (±4.36) years. 78% (117) of the respondents had cravings for one or more foods. Of them, 29.9% women had craved for sour fruits and 32.5% women had craved for milk-based sweets. Besides, 15.4%, 17.1% and 20.5% women had craved yogurt with misti, rice-milk-banana mixed and pickles respectively. Another 1.7% women had craved for non-food substance burnt clay. 23.9% craving desires was due to inhibiting nausea and 57.3% had no explanation. 70.9% craving desires was fulfilled. The proportion of fulfillment of craving desires was 100% in higher income families (p<.001). In joint families, 78.9% craving desires was fulfilled. It was 56.1% in the nuclear family (p=.009). In the first pregnancy, 81.5% craving desires was fulfilled (p=.003). Conclusion: Common foods for pregnancy cravings were sweets, sour fruits and pickles. Craving desires was fulfilled more in high income families, joint families and in first pregnancy. JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 19, No 1 (June) 2023: 55-58

Molecular farming- importance of stewarding food crops engineered to produce transferred food allergens and non-food substances

Developers are looking for new ways to produce proteins and other substances for food, pharmaceutical and industrial use by genetically engineering food crops to produce the desired substance of interest (i.e., molecular farming). Developers should be aware of the food safety concerns, legality and potential liability, and loss of consumer confidence that could arise if food or other plant materials from these crops were to inadvertently enter the food supply and compromise safety. At the earliest stages of product development, developers should consider whether it is feasible to consistently steward their crops and resulting plant materials from development through disposal to ensure they do not enter the food or feed supply in a way that would be unlawful. Developers should engage FDA’s foods program when considering their stewardship program. While molecular farming holds promise for the economical production of specific proteins and other substances at a large scale, it is important for developers to consider the efforts needed to protect the food supply from the crops used for molecular farming- particularly when the crop chosen for molecular farming is a crop traditionally used for human or animal food.

INFLUENCE OF DIGITAL RESOURCES ON FOOD CONSUMPTION PATTERN OF CIVIL SERVANTS AT HOUSEHOLD LEVEL IN EKITI STATE, NIGERIA

This study investigated the influence of digital resources on food consumption patterns of civil servants at the household level in sub urban Ekiti state. Three research questions guided the study and three hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study adopted the correlational descriptive research design. The population of the study comprised 4,500 households across 16 local Government Areas. A sample size of 202 members of households was selected for the study through multi-stage sampling. Data were collected with a structured, validated close-ended questionnaire, with a reliability coefficient of 0.76. The data was analyzed with mean and standard deviation, Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC), independent samples t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The major findings were that the digital resources mostly used by civil servants in the study area are social media such as WhatsApp ( = 3.76), Facebook ( = 3.51) and Instagram ( = 3.25), and they mostly consume fat and oil food group (3.86), consume carbonated drinks and snacks between meal. However, the use of digital resources has improved quantity of balanced meal consumed, the quality of diet, and availability of nutritional information (2.70 ? ? 2.81), deteriorated the consumption of alcohol and non-food substances ( = 1.54). The study concludes that civil servants in Ekiti State tend to embrace digital resources as a means to increase their access to nutritional information and facilitate decision-making regarding their dietary choices. It was therefore recommended that the Nigerian government agency tasked with overseeing food and the food industry should take into account the impact of digital resources on eating habits and collaborate to encourage healthier food choices.

Delayed Presentation of Button Battery Ingestion in a 6-year-old Girl – A Case Report

Foreign body ingestion is a common presentation to Otorhinolaryngology Department (ORL) especially among pediatrics population. Foreign body can be food or non-food related substances. Button battery ingestion is a life-threatening emergency which can cause injuries such as oesophageal strictures, perforations, tracheoesophageal fistulas, mediastinitis and aortoesophageal fistulas. The extent of damage increases with the duration the button battery remains lodged, underscoring the importance of promptly identifying ingestion. We present a case of a child with a delayed presentation of battery ingestion and a complication of esophageal injury.

Pica and Autism/Pica in Developmental Disability – Ports of Entry

Introduction: GI symptoms and disease in neurodivergent individuals who engage in pica are consistently higher than in comparable groups who do not ingest non-food substances. Such statistics serve as a red flag, not only for immediate medical consideration, but also as a baseline against which the impact of long-term interventions for pica and correlated GI issues can be measured. Organic treatment approaches offer effective alternatives to common behavior modification approaches.

A study of plasma levels of zinc in children with pica in a public hospital setup

Background: Pica is the craving and purposeful consumption of non-food substances. In children with pica, there is a greater possibility of zinc deficiency. Objectives: To study the plasma levels of zinc in children having pica and to study the efficacy of pica as a clinical marker of zinc deficiency. Method: This is a case control study of children attending the outpatient department of a tertiary health centre. A total of 92 children were enrolled in the study, of which 46 children who had the habit of pica were taken as cases and the remaining 46 children without the habit of pica were enrolled as controls. Serum zinc levels of the 92 children were estimated. Results: Of the 92 children included in the study, 56% of cases and 47% of controls belonged to the age group of 2 to 2.5 years. It was observed that 96% of cases had zinc deficiency whereas 100% of controls had normal zinc levels. The mean zinc level of the cases was 46.73±21.32mcg/dL compared to 148.5±15.4mcg/dL in the controls. Accuracy of pica as a clinical marker of zinc deficiency was 97%. Conclusions: The mean zinc level of the cases who had pica was significantly lower than the mean zinc level of the controls indicating that pica is a useful clinical marker for zinc deficiency. Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2023: 52(2): 182-187

Current Approach to The Child with Pica

Pica is an eating disorder that is characterized by the ingesting of non-food substances. Although pica is common in young children, it is an overlooked condition. Although the etiology of pica is not known for certain, some hypotheses are emphasized. The prevalence of pica varies according to societies. Pica is a clinical diagnosis based on the The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-V diagnostic criteria. In children, pica management can be achieved with a multidisciplinary approach. It should be acted on together with child psychiatry. Patient and family education are important. If there are nutritional deficiencies such as iron or zinc deficiency, it should be replaced. This review provides important information about the current approach to the child with pica. It will also shed light on the evaluation of children with a history of pica.

Pica in an Urban Environment

The practice of pica, the compulsive ingestion of nonfood substances over a sustained period of time, was studied in 553 African American women who were admitted to prenatal clinics in Washington, D.C. Dietary, biochemical, and psychosocial correlates of the pica practices of a subset of this urban population are presented in this paper. Geophagia, compulsive eating of clay or dirt, was not observed in these women; pagophagia, or the ingestion of large quantities of ice and freezer frost, was self reported in 8.1% of the women, who consumed 1/2 to 2 cups a day from 1 to 7 days per week. Serum ferritin concentrations of pica women were significantly lower during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy; the average values for three trimesters of pregnancy for both ferritin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin were significantly lower in pica women than their nonpica counterparts (P = 0.0001 and P = 0.017, respectively). Although not significantly different, the iron (66 vs. 84% RDA) and calcium (60 vs. 75% RDA) contents of the diets of pica women were less those of nonpica women. Gestational age, body length, and body weight were not different, but head circumferences of infants delivered to pica women who consumed freezer frost and/or ice were smaller than those of nonpica women (P = 0.012). The hypothesis is presented that pica in African American women may be a mediator of stress, acting through the immune system. The size of the social support network of pica women was significantly less than that of nonpica women.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Pica in childhood: Prevalence and developmental comorbidity

BackgroundPica is an eating disorder in which a person feels the urge to eat non-nutritious, non-food substances. It can occur at any age; however, a higher prevalence is observed among children with mental health issues and pregnant women. Recently, additional attention has been given to the role of sensory sensitivity in eating disorders.Aim of the studyTo examine the prevalence of pica in preschool children and explore the associations with increased sensory sensitivity traits and rates of internalizing and externalizing difficulties.MethodologyParents/guardians of children aged 3–6 years were asked to complete an anonymous online questionnaire containing demographic data, questions regarding the peculiarities of children's eating, sensory sensitivity. Furthermore, a Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was also completed. This study included 655 participants. Of those 655, 41 study participants who did not complete the questionnaire were excluded. The final sample consisted of 614 participants who had completed the questionnaire.ResultsApproximately, 3.7% of participants indicated that their child ate non-nutritious, non-food substances. Children with increased sensory sensitivity traits in response to sounds (p = 0.008), visual stimuli (p < 0.001), and skin contact (p = 0.006) ate significantly more non-nutritious non-food substances. Those who had higher scores on internalizing and externalizing difficulties had more difficulties associated with eating. Children who had increased sensory sensitivity to sounds, visual stimuli, or skin contact had significantly more internalizing difficulties (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between higher externalizing difficulties and increased sensory sensitivity to sounds, visual stimuli, skin contact, or smells (p > 0.05).ConclusionsChildren with increased sensory sensitivity traits were more likely to eat inedible substances than those without. Furthermore, children who had increased sensory sensitivity traits were significantly more picky about food and had more internalizing difficulties. It is important for specialists to combine clinical data on the characteristics of a child's development, including sensory, eating, and emotional health aspects.

8 yaşında bir kız çocuğunda demir eksikliği anemisi ve karanfil yeme birlikteliği. Nadir bir olgu sunumu

Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common nutrient disorder worldwide. It is defined pica as eating non-nutritive, non-food substances over a period of at least one month. Different types of pica have been reported in the literature. Although the exact etiology of pica is unknown, pica has been related to iron and other mineral/nutritional deficiencies. Although a relationship between iron-deficiency anemia and pica has been reported in the literature, no such association has been reported with eating clove so far. Therefore, I present the case of an 8-year-old girl diagnosed with iron-deficiency anemia with clove pica.

Pica caused by emetic drugs in laboratory rats with kaolin, gypsum, and lime as test substances

Pica refers to eating nonfood substances. The pica behavior has been the focus of attention in physiological and pharmacological studies, because its consumption is a good marker of nausea in laboratory rats, which cannot vomit due to neuroanatomical reasons. Almost all pica studies with rats have used kaolin clay pellets as nonfood substances. The present study primarily aimed to explore an alternative (or more suitable) substance to kaolin for detection of nausea induced by emetic drugs. Two calcium compounds, gypsum and lime, were evaluated in this study. An injection of lithium chloride (LiCl) increased pica behavior not only in the rats given kaolin but also in the rats given gypsum, suggesting that gypsum consumption could be used as an indicator of nausea. However, its sensitivity was no greater than that of kaolin consumption. In addition, lime is not a useful marker for nausea because the size of pica was small in the LiCl-injected rats, and did not differ from the control in the cisplatin-injected rats. In short, the superiority of kaolin as a test substance for nausea could not be overturned. However, the fact that nauseous rats displayed pica behavior with gypsum and lime refutes the claim that aluminosilicate, the main component of kaolin, is the critical determinant of emetic-caused pica in laboratory rats.

"Impact of Drug Abuse and Addiction in Daily life: A Review Ram Kumar"

It is described as a chemical substance or non-food substance used mostly for therapeutic purposes. It is recognized by the official pharmacopeia and formulary. It is primarily used for diagnosis of diseases, mitigation, treatment, and prevention.

Seasonal changes driving shifts of aquatic rhizosphere microbial community structure and the functional properties

Ecological floating beds could enable roots to become suspended and this allowed submerged roots to harbour various types of microbes. But, there was a lack of systematic research on microbial community structure changes and the influencing mechanisms. In this study, the ecological floating beds were constructed using selected plants [Cyperus involucratus Rottboll (Cyp), Thalia dealbata Fraser (Tha) and Iris tectorum Maxim (Iri)] that was compared with a control group [static water (S)]. The results showed that the highest abundance and diversity of root microbial communities were found in autumn, with the dominant taxa being Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, Cyanobacteria, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Acidobacteriota. The microbial communities of Tha and Cyp groups greatly overlapped, while the Iri and control groups exhibited distinctly diverse communities. The root microbial populations of the same plant also reflected a large change in different seasons. Conversely, photosynthetic autotrophs and specialized anaerobes were more inclined to thrive at higher temperatures and lower DO concentrations and then they gradually became the dominant species. Microbial co-occurrences of the Tha and control groups were complex and showed both cooperation and competition. In addition, TOC was an important environmental factor that shaped the microbial community structures and DO changed the microbial community by affecting the abundance of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Microorganisms showed potential for degradation and metabolism of non-food substances with low/no corresponding metabolic pathways.

The influence of pica practice on nutritional status, stress and anxiety of pregnant women

Pica is a minor disorder in pregnancy associated with strong craving for food or non -food substances of little or no nutritional value. ObjectiveThe study assesses the characteristics of pica practice among pregnant women and evaluates its influence on the nutritional status, anxiety and stress of pregnant women. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women attending the antenatal unit of a tertiary care hospital in Chennai, India. Pregnant women took a survey for presence of pica practice. Women with pica practice were assessed for dietary information, haemoglobin, pre-pregnant body mass index and stool analysis. Women's anxiety and stress were assessed using Beck anxiety inventory scale and Lipp Stress Inventory Scale. ResultsOut of 739 pregnant women screened, 220 (29.7%) women were found to practice pica. Of the 220 women, 42.2% ingested food substances, 41% ingested non-food substance and 16.8% consumed both. The most common substances craved for were: unripe mango (42.2%), pagophagia (23.8%), ash (41%) and geophagia (19%). Amongst the women with pica, 67.3% women had anaemia, 36% were underweight and 9.5% were overweight. About 40% women had low anxiety, 43% had moderate anxiety and 17% had severe anxiety. Distribution of women based on phases of stress found 15.4% in alert phase, 65% in resistance phase, 1.4% in near exhaustion phase, and 18.2% in exhaustions phase. ConclusionThe study identified that pica practice is not limited to ingestion of edible substances alone. Women practicing pica during pregnancy had anaemia, increased levels of stress and anxiety.

Evaluation of plastic waste in pasture areas and frequency of foreign bodies in the rumen after slaughter in urban areas: Case of Bukavu and its hinterland

Insufficient grazing land and lack of fodder is a situation that makes animals vulnerable, pushing them to ingest inedible substances. The environment of Bukavu and its outskirts is threatened by pollution whose plastic and other waste are sources of diseases of ruminants or imported and local cattle and goats contract diseases due to the consumption of certain waste. The latter are found scattered almost everywhere (tracks, trails, fields, pastures) and their scale is taking on a pace that worries domestic ruminant breeders. In a coupled observation survey, we worked on a sample of 1270 cases of slaughter in a slaughterhouse and restaurants in urban areas, and also two killings in rural areas to assess the frequency of foreign bodies in ruminants after slaughter and classify them according to their nature. Then, we had to identify the stimuli that lead animals to ingest indigestible non-food substances and that are a cause of morbidity and mortality. By the method of transect we appreciated the presence of this waste that ruminants consume by mania. The results are as follows: Out of 1,270 cases of slaughter, we found 179 cases of the presence of foreign bodies, i.e. 35% in Mugogo, 31% in Mudaka, 19% at the Ruzizi II slaughterhouse and 15% for restaurants in the city of Bukavu. According to the nature of the foreign bodies found after slaughter, it appears that the black bag component is in large quantity (24.25±7.676) followed by mosquito net (18.5±7.416), then other bag (13.25±7.847) and finally fabric (10±4.397). In vitro, the coca cola drink has little effect on foreign bodies soaked in rumen juice. The transect shows a high load of plastic waste and linen along the tracks and around markets and grazing places both in the city of Bukavu and in the peripheral territories shows a preponderant presence of bags (0.738±0.425) followed by linen (0.362±0.119). For an average weight of 960 grams per waste collected.

All Tied Up: Not Your Typical Distended Abdomen

Question: A 28-year-old woman with a history of iron deficiency anemia and pos-traumatic stress disorder was evaluated in the emergency department for 2 weeks of intermittent abdominal discomfort, nausea, and vomiting. Physical examination revealed a young woman with a hard distended abdomen that was diffusely tender to palpation. Lab oratory tests were significant for a low hemoglobin (9.4 gm/dL), low mean corpuscular volume (75 fL), and low ferritin (7). Her white blood cell volume (7.9 × 10³ mL) and lactic acid (1.3 mEq/L) were normal. A pregnancy test was negative and an abdominal computed tomography scan was performed (Figure A). What is the diagnosis and what is the next best step in management? See the Gastroenterology web site (www.gastrojournal.org) for more information on submitting your favorite image to Clinical Challenges and Images in GI. This patient has pica and had been consistently ingesting elastic hair ties for the past 5 years—since the birth of her child. The computed tomography scan (Figure A) shows her stomach to be markedly distended with ingested material (innumerable, thin, linear, radiodense structures) located throughout the stomach and proximal duodenum. An upper endoscopy with monitored anesthesia care was subsequently performed and confirmed the presence of ingested hair ties throughout the gastric cavity (Figure B). The ties had coalesced into several large, tangled, hardened masses consistent with gastric bezoars. An overtube was placed and the foreign bodies were removed in sequential fashion with a rat-tooth forceps and cold snare. After partial removal, a 1.4-cm nonbleeding crater ulcer was found at the incisura (Figure C) and a large number of ties were extricated from the pyloric sphincter. In total, 172 individual bands were removed (Figure D). The patient recovered without event, and hematology and psychiatry services were consulted. Pica refers to repeated consumption of nonfood substances and has been associated with both iron deficiency anemia and pregnancy, although the underlying mechanism is not well-understood.1Al Nasser Y. Muco E. Alsaad A.J. Pica.in: StatPearls. Treasure. StatPearls Publishing, Island, FL2021Google Scholar A majority of ingested objects pass without the need for intervention, although the need seems to be higher with intentional ingestions.2Ikenberry S.O. Jue T.L. Anderson M.A. et al.ASGE Standards of Practice CommitteeManagement of ingested foreign bodies and food impactions.Gastrointest Endosc. 2011; 73: 1085-1091Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (446) Google Scholar A gastric bezoar specifically refers to a collection of indigestible material accumulating in the stomach.3Pfau P.R. Benson M. Foreign bodies, bezoars, and caustic ingestions.in: Sleisenger and Fordtran’s gastrointestinal and liver disease- 2 volume set: pathophysiology, diagnosis, management. 11th ed. Elsevier, New York2020: 399-410Google Scholar These generally occur in the setting of poor gastric emptying, with vegetable matter (phytobezoar), hair (trichobezoar), and medications (pharmacobezoars) being the most common.3Pfau P.R. Benson M. Foreign bodies, bezoars, and caustic ingestions.in: Sleisenger and Fordtran’s gastrointestinal and liver disease- 2 volume set: pathophysiology, diagnosis, management. 11th ed. Elsevier, New York2020: 399-410Google Scholar Clinical manifestations include anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and early satiety. Gastric ulceration secondary to pressure necrosis and mechanical obstruction secondary to accumulation in the small intestine can occur.3Pfau P.R. Benson M. Foreign bodies, bezoars, and caustic ingestions.in: Sleisenger and Fordtran’s gastrointestinal and liver disease- 2 volume set: pathophysiology, diagnosis, management. 11th ed. Elsevier, New York2020: 399-410Google Scholar Urgent endoscopy or surgical intervention are indicated in patients with objects causing gastrointestinal tract obstruction.2Ikenberry S.O. Jue T.L. Anderson M.A. et al.ASGE Standards of Practice CommitteeManagement of ingested foreign bodies and food impactions.Gastrointest Endosc. 2011; 73: 1085-1091Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (446) Google Scholar An overtube facilitates the sequential removal of foreign bodies with protection of the airway. If endoscopic therapy is unsuccessful or complications such as perforation arise, surgical intervention may be required.3Pfau P.R. Benson M. Foreign bodies, bezoars, and caustic ingestions.in: Sleisenger and Fordtran’s gastrointestinal and liver disease- 2 volume set: pathophysiology, diagnosis, management. 11th ed. Elsevier, New York2020: 399-410Google Scholar

A Case of Pica on a 6–Year-Old Child from Medan

BACKGROUND: In 2013, in the feeding and eating disorder category of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), pica was included as a diagnosis. Eating one or more non-nutritious, non-food substances continuously for at least 1 month is an important characteristic of pica. Children who participate in pica eat products that differ greatly but also include paper, plastic, fabric, dirt, paint, rocks, soap, and cigarette butts. This purpose of this case report is to determine the symptoms and diagnosis of pica in child. CASE REPORT: A 6-year-old girl was brought to the Psychiatry Clinic of North Sumatera University Hospital with her mother due to her unusual behavior of eating stuff including paper, sawdust, crayon, cloth, and ice cubes. This on since the little girl was 3 years of age. One week earlier, the little girl experienced diarrhea before being admitted to the psychiatry clinic. In this case, the diagnosis of pica used the DSM-5 criteria. CONCLUSION: We hope that this case report about pica can figure out more about this particularly unusual behavior, which can occur even in normal children in which parental neglect may precipitate its occurrence. As clinicians, we can detect the symptoms and signs of pica in children to prevent further complications.

Foam Rubber Pica and Cautopyreiophagia in a Highly Educated Woman: A Clinical Case Study

Pica, the developmentally and culturally-inappropriate eating of non-nutritive and non-food substances, is most often documented in people with developmental disabilities and children, frequently in institutional and residential settings. To date, there are no randomized clinical trials on pica-specific treatments, and very little literature is available regarding the characteristics or treatment of pica in adults with no intellectual or social deficits, and co-morbid disorders. This case study addresses this gap, and involves a highly educated 30 year-old American woman with foam rubber pica and burned match consumption (cautopyreiophagia) behaviors, along with co-morbid depressive, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms, who received treatment in a general intensive outpatient program for adults in a large urban community psychiatry setting. The case study describes how the Biosocial Theory and Transtheoretical Model of Health Behavior Change were used to conceptualize this woman’s symptoms and guide a treatment team of clinicians who did not specialize in pica. Providers in non-specialty clinic settings would benefit from reflecting on ways to adapt evidence-based techniques to the treatment of uncommon symptoms.

Prevalence and Factors Associated to Persistent Anemia among Pregnant Women in the Buea Health District, Cameroon

Introduction: Anemia in pregnancy represents a life-threatening but preventable reason for maternal and childhood morbidity and mortality. Although intervention measures are practiced in most affected countries like Cameroon, the impact of anemia on pregnant women is still apparent in most local communities. The relative contribution of sociodemographic related to anemia throughout gestation varies greatly and warrants investigation in urban and rural communities in developing countries, where the condition is most apparent.
 Methods: A cross-sectional study design was carried out from February to July 2019 at six sites, Regional Hospital Buea, Bokwango Integrated Health Center (IHC), Buea - Road IHC, Buea town IHC, Molyko IHC, and Great Soppo IHC. A total of 408 pregnant women were enrolled in the study. The sociodemographic characteristics identified through questionnaires filled by the participants included age, marital status, educational status, occupation, gravida status, alcohol intake, iron folate intake, knowledge on anemia and crave for non-food substance. The clinical factors of participants gathered included previous records of diarrhea within the last 6 months, diagnosis for worm infection for the last 6 months, diagnosis for Malaria for the last 6 months. A blood sample was collected and analyzed with a haemoglobinometer ( HemoCue 201+ system, Sweden). SPSS version 22 statistical package software was used to perform the data analysis. Factors related to anemia among participants unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios with their 95%CI were calculated using logistic regression models.
 Results: The prevalence of anemia was 50 %. Among the anemic study participants 0.74 %, 11.76 %, and 37.50 % recorded severe, moderate, and mild levels of anemia respectively. The majority of the anemic participants 195 (95.6%) and 126 (61.8) had recently been diagnosed for Malaria and worm infections respectively. Craving for non-food substances (Calabar clay) and poor adherence to iron folate intake had a prevalence of 120 (58.8%) and 117 (57.4%) respectively. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that, irregular adherence to iron folate intake and reduce intake of iron folate frequency 2-3 times/week was statistically significantly associated with anemia (p=0.0001 and p= 0.0001 respectively). We equally observed a statistically significant association of alcohol drink consumption and craving for non-food substances (Calabar clay) with anemia (p=0.004 and p=0.0001 respectively). Cases of worm infection for the last 6 months were statistically significantly related to anemia (p = 0.004).
 Conclusion: Anemia is high among pregnant women in the Buea health district. Factors associated with persistent anemia despite intervention measures in the community hospitals include malaria; no intake or reduced intake of iron folate; alcohol drinks consumption; craving for non-food substances (Calabar clay) and previously diagnosed worm infection within the last 6 months.