Conclusion
The high reported rate of pica in this sample indicates that pregnant Mexican-born women should be screened for pica and educated about the potentially serious effects on the fetus and mother.
Objective
To describe pica behavior (ingestion of nonfood items) in pregnant low-income Mexican-born women in Mexico and the United States. Design: A convenience sample of informants was interviewed with a questionnaire containing open-ended and closed-ended questions. Setting: A low-income community on the outskirts of Ensenada, Mexico, and clinics serving low-income people in southern California (Santa Ana, Bakersfield, and Los Angeles). Participants: Of a total of 225 Mexican-born women, 75 (33%) were interviewed in Ensenada, and 150 (67%) were interviewed in southern California.
Results
The prevalence of pica during pregnancy was 44% (n = 33) in the Ensenada group and 31% (n = 46) in the southern California group. Those who reported pica behavior more commonly had a relative who also practiced pica.