INCIDENCE AND PREDICTORS OF HYPOCALCAEMIA AMONG PREGNANT AND POSTPARTUM WOMEN ATTENDING SELECTED HOSPITALS IN KANO METROPOLIS, NIGERIA

Abstract

Hypocalcaemia during pregnancy is a significant public health concern in many developing countries and is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. This study assessed the incidence and predictors of hypocalcaemia among pregnant women attending antenatal care in some selected hospital in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study design was adopted involving 400 women recruited from antenatal clinics. Data were collected using structured questionnaires covering socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric history, dietary practices, and clinical symptoms related to calcium deficiency. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analysis were used to identify predictors of hypocalcaemia. The majority of respondents were aged 20–30 years (48.3%), and most attended antenatal care during the second trimester (55.2%). Clinical manifestations commonly associated with calcium deficiency were widely reported, including headache (53.5%), vomiting (47.0%), muscle cramps (42.3%), and dizziness (40.5%). Although dietary diversity among respondents was relatively high, the intake of calcium-rich foods such as milk and dairy products was inconsistent. Chi-square analysis showed no statistically significant association between hypocalcaemia and most socio-demographic variables, although occupation, calcium supplement use, and milk consumption showed marginal associations. Logistic regression analysis further indicated that none of the variables independently predicted hypocalcaemia at the 5% level of significance. The findings suggest that maternal hypocalcaemia in the study population may be primarily influenced by inadequate dietary calcium intake rather than demographic factors. Strengthening maternal nutrition education and improving access to calcium-rich foods and antenatal supplementation programs are therefore recommended.