E Simpson1, J D Mull, E Longley, J East. 1. Division of Human Genetics Department of Pediatrics University of California, Irvine Medical Center Orange, CA 92668, USA.
Abstract
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. 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. 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.
Authors: S J Rothenberg; M Manalo; J Jiang; F Khan; R Cuellar; S Reyes; M Sanchez; B Reynoso; A Aguilar; M Diaz; S Acosta; M Jauregui; C Johnson Journal: Arch Environ Health Date: 1999 May-Jun
Authors: Amanda M Santos; Gláucia R G Benute; Roseli M Y Nomura; Niraldo O Santos; Mara C S De Lucia; Rossana P V Francisco Journal: Matern Child Health J Date: 2016-03