Pica with iron deficiency anemia in preschoolers of central Punjab Pakistan; prevalence and associated factors

Abstract

Objective; To assess the prevalence of pica in pre-school aged children and find the associated factors.

Study Design; Cross-sectional study

Place & Duration of Study; Carried out at THQ Hospital Renala Khurd from February 2022 to May 2022.

Material and methods; Children between 2-6 years of age who presented at pediatric department during study period were enquired thoroughly about pica history. Investigations including hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and serum ferritin levels were carried out. The data including age, gender, residence, socioeconomic status, education status of parents, and laboratory results for hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels were analyzed with statistical package for social sciences (SPSS 21).

Results; Total 862 children in age range of 2-6 years reported at the hospital during study period. Of these, 321 (37.2%) children were diagnosed as cases of ‘pica’. Out of 321, 162 (50.5%) were males and 159 (49.5%) were females. Mean age was 3.77 + 1.35 years. Mean hemoglobin level was 8.01 + 1.27 gm/dL, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was 58.68 + 9.28 fL, and mean serum ferritin level was 9.78 + 3.41 ng/mL. Hemoglobin levels of rural children (7.89 +1.24 gm/dL) was significantly lower than urban children (8.71 + 1.46 gm.dL); p value<0.001.

Conclusion; Pica is common in preschool aged children. It is significantly associated with iron deficiency and more prevalent in rural areas. Early recognition and prevention is vital to avert adverse consequences.

Key words; Pica, Iron deficiency anemia, prevalence