Leila Larson, assistant professor of health promotion, education, and behavior, has launched a new study on pica among pregnant people in South Carolina, according to a Mar. 17 announcement. The research is funded by the USC Collaborative for Health Equity Research (CHEER), an initiative from the USC Office of the Provost.
Pica is defined as the craving and consumption of non-food items such as ice, clay, or soil. Larson said that "pica impacts pregnant women across the globe, including women in the U.S. – particularly those in African American, Hispanic and rural populations." She added that complications can include anemia, abnormal gestational weight gain, high blood pressure, negative birth outcomes, and other adverse effects. Despite these risks, she said pica remains undiagnosed and underreported.
Scientists believe that deficiencies in micronutrients like iron may be a primary cause of pica. However, consuming non-food items does not address these deficiencies and can worsen health outcomes by introducing toxins or parasites to both mother and fetus. In some cultures pica is seen as normal during pregnancy; in others it is stigmatized and often goes unreported.
Larson noted that only two studies have examined pica among U.S. populations over the past 25 years: one found that 51% of Hispanic women in California had experienced pica during pregnancy; another found a rate of 38% among rural women in North Carolina—yet most cases were not documented in medical records.
"Pica is viewed as a cultural practice, as well as a biological response to nutritional deficiencies, infection or stress," Larson said. She explained that more research is needed to understand its prevalence and impact on pregnant women and their babies.
The new study will identify which South Carolinians are most affected by pica and explore causes and experiences related to the condition. The long-term goal is to develop culturally relevant screening and treatment protocols for healthcare providers. Larson's team includes clinical, community, and research experts who will work with a Community Advisory Board throughout the project.
"The cultural roots and high prevalence of prenatal anemia in the Southern United States makes pica a critical public health issue for this region," Larson said. She added that this pilot project aims to lay groundwork for future studies focused on risk factors, behaviors, clinical impacts associated with pica—and how community-engaged approaches might improve outcomes.
