Pica practices among apparently healthy women and their young children in Ghana (original) (raw)

Pica is an increased appetite/craving for food or non-food substances like clay, and chalk, and is strongly associated with iron deficiency (ID) anemia. This study assessed pica practices among non-pregnant mothers and their children, 12-to-59months, in an anemia endemic population in Ghana. A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted in two randomly selected districts in Northern Ghana. The researchers developed semi-structured questionnaires with components on pica practice, history and experiences and administered via structured face-to-face interviews with mothers (N=161). Of this population, 139 mothers had children 12-to-59months in April 2012. Pica practice among children was reported by their mothers. Data was analysed using SPSS version 23.0. Few mothers (4%) spontaneously reported pica (for uncommon food and/or non-food substances) at the time of the interview, however, 27 (16.8%) mothers with pica were confirmed after further probing. Twelve (8.6%) children were r...