A Relationship Between Goitre Prevalence and Cassava ( Manihot esculenta. Crantz) Consumption in Kilifi County, Coast Province of Kenya

Abstract

In tropical areas, absence or poor growth of potatoes and grains makes cassava a common food. However, presence of goitrogenic compounds make cassava unfit for human consumption hindering its contribution to curb food security. The study is aimed at providing evidence based relationship between goitre prevalence and cassava consumption in Kilifi County. A longitudinal retrospective quantitative study design was conducted in six randomly selected hospitals (Wananchi Hospital, Swiss Cottage Hospital, Watamu Hospital, Malindi District Hospital, Mariakani Sub-County Hospital, Kilifi County Referral Hospital). Secondary data from Hospital records were used to identify goitre patients where questionnaires were administered and respondent's response scored. Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) was used to summarize data and determine correlations. A total of 673503 patients attended hospitals, 232 (0.034%) had goitre, 99 (42.67%) were reached; 7 (7.07%) and 92 (92.93%) were none consumers and consumers of cassava respectively. Raw cassava consumption is a high risk factor (62%) compared to cooked (21.7%), milled (7.6%), roasted (5.4%) and fried (3.3%) forms of cassava. Adult women (52.2%), pregnant women (32.6%) and children of both sex (10.9%) were more susceptible than adult males (4.3%). 89.20% patients consumed both leaves and roots, 6.4% roots and 5.4% leaves. Flesh, central part and both flesh and central part of root consumed by 5%, 7% and 87% patients respectively. Four species of cassava were grown and consumed as follows 79.30% Chibandameno (Manihot esculenta mantenha), 10.8% Kaleso (Manihot esculenta paraibu) 6.5% Original (Manihot esculenta amanolinha) and 3.4% Mgrikacha (Manihot esculenta parmada). Cassava is consumed due to culture (13%), medicine (5.4%), food (18.4%), sexual drive booster (9.8%) and making other foods (53.4%). It can be concluded cassava consumption may induce goitre. The study recommends chemical analysis of goitrogenic compounds in blood, urine, various parts and methods of preparation of different species of cassava.