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Pica in an urban environment

C H Edwards1, A A Johnson, E M Knight

  • 1Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Allied Health Sciences, Howard University, Washington, D.C. 20059.

The Journal of Nutrition
|June 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

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Pica, the eating of nonfood items like ice, was observed in 8.1% of African American women. Pica was linked to lower iron levels and smaller infant head circumferences, suggesting a potential stress mediator.

Area of Science:

  • Nutritional Science
  • Maternal Health
  • Psychosocial Factors

Background:

  • Pica, the persistent consumption of nonfood items, is a recognized phenomenon.
  • Its specific correlates in urban African American populations require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine dietary, biochemical, and psychosocial factors associated with pica in African American women.
  • To investigate the impact of pica on pregnancy outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Study involved 553 African American women attending prenatal clinics in Washington, D.C.
  • Data collected on dietary habits, serum ferritin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and psychosocial factors.
  • Pagophagia (ice consumption) was the primary form of pica observed.

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Main Results:

  • Pagophagia reported in 8.1% of women.
  • Pica patients exhibited significantly lower serum ferritin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin levels.
  • Infants born to mothers with pagophagia had smaller head circumferences.
  • Pica women had smaller social support networks.

Conclusions:

  • Pagophagia is a prevalent form of pica in this population.
  • Pica is associated with poorer nutritional status and potential adverse effects on fetal development.
  • Pica may serve as a stress mediator, potentially influenced by social support.