Socio-cultural and nutritional risk factors of adolescents and young pregnant women in an endemic area of schistosomiasis.

The present study was undertaken in order to investigate the social, cultural, behavioral and environmental factors and their impact on the health and nutrition of young pregnant women and adolescent girls aged between 11 and 22 years, living in a rural area known to be endemic of schistosomiasis. A total sample of 34 pregnant women, 30 adolescent girls and 5 married never-pregnant women were recruited initially. The results revealed that early marriage before legal age still occur in rural areas in Egypt (15%). The mean age of marriage was 17.5 years (+/- 1.8) while the mean age at the first conception was 17.9 years (+/- 1.6). A high rate of illiteracy (72%) which was statistically significant was found among married women than adolescent girls. The daily intake of most nutrients were below the RDA except for protein and vitamin C among pregnant respondents. Iron, calcium and riboflavin were the nutrients most poorly supplied by the diets of pregnant women and adolescent girls. A significant statistical difference was found between the two groups in the intake of iron (z = 3.20, p < 0.05). About 60% of pregnant women and 80% of adolescent girls reported contact with canal water during household activities and field work. There was a lack of knowledge as regards schistosomiasis among respondents especially pregnant ones. Home deliveries with the assistance of traditional birth attendants is still the first choice by most of the pregnant respondents.