Prevalence of pica practice among pregnant women in and around manipal Udupi district, Karnataka

In documented research literature pica is reported to range from 0 per cent to 68 per cent depending on the client population. This study was designed to define characteristics and factors influencing the practice of pica in and around Manipal. The study group consisted of 180 pregnant women who were interviewed to know about the behaviour regarding pica practice and their general information. Prevalence of pica was found among 5 per cent of the study subjects. The common substances consumed were ice, raw rice, tamarind seeds and chalk. Statistically significant association was found between pica practice and socio-economic status (p<0.001). There is a need to routinely screen pregnant women for pica during pregnancy. Further studies are also needed to establish possible health consequences of pica on mother and child.