Pica in Turkey

Abstract

The relationship of anemia to pica was investigated in 182 Turkish villagers. The presence of anemia was detected by hemoglobin determinations and stained peripheral blood films. The average hemoglobin concentration of sixty-nine control subjects of all ages without a history of pica was 13.0 gm. per 100 ml.; 17 per cent were anemic. The average hemoglobin concentration of seventy-three persons of all ages with pica was 9.8 gm. per 100 ml. and 64 per cent of this group was anemic. Anemia associated with pica appeared to be reversible since the average hemoglobin level of forty subjects who were former dirt or clay eaters was 12.6 gm. per 100 ml. and only 20 per cent had anemia. A further breakdown of anemia related to age and type of pica is included. Factors which might influence the cause for pica are discussed. Clay eating in women appears to be largely habit; many factors are probably involved in dirt and plaster pica.