1991).īoth the aetiology and health consequences of pica remain enigmatic, and as such, it is of public health concern. A range of other non‐food items have also been reported, including chalk, baby powder, paper and paint chips (Danford 1982 Sayetta 1986 Blinder et al. The most common types of pica are geophagy (consumption of earth), amylophagy (consumption of raw starches such as cornstarch or uncooked rice) and pagophagy (the consumption of large quantities of ice) (Young 2010). Pica, the craving and purposive consumption of substances that the consumer does not define as food (Young 2010), is a phenomenon that has been documented around the world (Laufer 1930 Anell & Lagercrantz 1958 Heusinger 2006 Young et al. In sum, pica among Mexican women is common enough to warrant a larger epidemiologic study of its sociodemographic correlates and physiological consequences. Perceived consequences of unfulfilled pica cravings were birthmarks or fetal loss fulfilled pica cravings were also thought to be generally harmful to the mother or child, with several women specifying toxic lead, pesticides or ‘worms’. Women attributed pica to the overwhelming organoleptic appeal of pica substances (especially smell and texture) and to micronutrient deficiencies. The proportion of women reporting pica in the United States and Mexico was 43% and 34%, respectively. Twenty‐eight of the 76 participants (37%) reported ever engaging in pica 22 participants (29%) reported doing so during pregnancy. Earth, adobe, bean stones and ice were the most commonly reported pica substances. We held nine focus group discussions (three in the Salinas Valley, California six in Xoxocotla, Morelos, Mexico) with 76 Mexican‐born women who were currently pregnant or had delivered within the past 2 years. Our objectives were to identify the frequency and types of pica behaviours, to understand perceived aetiologies and consequences of pica and to ascertain if the behaviour was common enough to warrant a larger study. Therefore, we conducted formative research to understand pica in this understudied population. Further, very little is known about pica among Mexican populations in the United States and Mexico. Although pica, the craving and purposive consumption of non‐food substances, is common among many populations, especially during pregnancy, the health consequences are not well understood.
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