Author(s): Deepanshi and Urvashi Sharma

Abstract:
Pica, the persistent ingestion of non-nutritive substances at a developmentally inappropriate age, is a largely overlooked health concern among adolescents, despite its potential nutritional, psychological, and physical consequences. Although adolescents generally recognize that consuming non-food items is abnormal, the behavior persists, often unnoticed by families, schools, and healthcare providers. This study aimed to examine the prevalence and understanding of pica among adolescents in Modinagar, a semi-urban area of Ghaziabad district. Using a cross-sectional descriptive survey design, data were collected from 50 adolescents aged 10-19 years through a self-developed structured questionnaire administered both online and offline. Stratified random sampling ensured representation across age groups. Descriptive analysis using frequencies and percentages was performed. Findings revealed that 68% of participants identified pica as an eating disorder, and 72% could name commonly consumed substances such as clay, chalk, ice, and soil. However, awareness of its association with iron deficiency (40%), psychological links such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (44%), and the role of specialists in management (6%) was limited. In terms of prevalence, 34% reported urges to eat non-food items, 34% had consumed such substances in the past six months, and 32% experienced health complications, although only 12% tracked their consumption frequency. These results indicate that while adolescents have basic awareness of pica, their understanding of its causes, complications, and management is insufficient. The study underscores pica as a hidden health concern, highlighting the importance of identifying early behavioral cues that may serve as initial indicators in adolescents who engage in the practice yet fail to acknowledge it.