Prevalence of Pica and its Contributing Factors among Palestinian Pregnant Women

Pica - craving for non-nutritional substances- is considered a serious eating disorder, occasionally can result in various health issues. This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the prevalence of pica practice during pregnancy, identify substances most commonly consumed and their prevalence, and to determine risk factors associated with pica practice during pregnancy among Palestinian women. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used during collection procedure. The collected data consisted of sociodemographic data, medical history and lifestyle habits, data about pregnancy, nutritional status, and data about pica practice. A total of 170 pregnant women, who were attending ten private gynecological clinics in the Hebron city, were included in the study. Pica prevalence of the total sample was 4.7%. Pagophagia (ice cube consumption) was the prevalent type of pica practice by 62.5%, followed by the consumption of dirt, cigarette ash residue, and toothpaste by 12.5%, 12.5%, and 12.5%, respectively. Pica practice was significantly associated with smoking and psychological stress during pregnancy, and low maternal hemoglobin level before and during pregnancy. Moreover, pica practice was related to the dietary intake of milk and fat. Health care professionals need to be conscious of pica practice among pregnant women. The phenomenon needs further research.