ISMJ

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Background: Pica is an eating disorder typically defined as the persistent eating of nonnutritive substances for a period of at least 1 month, without an association with an aversion to food. This behavior should be developmentally inappropriate, and not a culturally sanctioned practice. Pica is more prevalent in underdeveloped and low socioeconomic areas. In this study under 6-year old kindergarten children of Bushehr were evaluated. Methods: In a cross sectional study, 256 under 6-year old kindergarten children were evaluated in Bushehr in 2001. The necessary information regarding pica characteristics was given to the parents and teachers. The questionnaires were completed by the parents and teachers, and the suspects were assessed a second time. A more complete history and psychiatric examination was done to confirm the diagnosis of pica according to DSM IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders IV) in these children. Results: A total of 256 children including 123 girls (48%) and 133 boys (52%) were evaluated. Pica was diagnosed in 67 of these children (26.2%). The most prevalent age for pica was 12-18 months (27 persons, 40.2%) and 18-24 months (20 persons, 29.8%). Pica was significantly associated with sex (being a girl) and positive family history. Conclusion: Pica is prevalent in kindergarten children in Bushehr. Educating parents and teachers seems to be necessary.

Keywords: Pica, children, Iron deficiency, Lead poisoning

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