Ethnomedical and Sociocultural Factors of Pica Substances in Rural South India

ABSTRACT

Pica, the intentional ingestion of culturally determined “nonfood” substances, occurs cross-culturally and most commonly during pregnancy. The current study describes women’s perceptions of ethnomedical and sociocultural aspects of pica along with familial acquisition and transmission of knowledge and behaviors in a South Indian population. Findings showed that in contrast to Western models of pica, nonfood consumption is not entirely taboo; consumers rely on local remedies to cure overconsumption; and perceptions of prevalence extend beyond pregnancy. Future research on pica should consider consumption patterns outside of pregnancy and the role stigma plays in individuals seeking assistance for overconsumption.

KEYWORDS:

• Ethnomedicine
• global health
• pica
• pregnancy
• South India

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank the anonymous reviewers, Katie Flores, and Kristen Syme for their helpful comments on earlier drafts of this manuscript. Special thanks are owed to study participants, Xavier and Hushmija Mariadoss, along with the National Folklore Support Centre in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.