Causes and Management of Pica Disorder Among Central Iraqi Peoples

The study focused on Pica disorder in central Iraqi peoples, primarily affecting females (92.4%), with a significant correlation between Pica and low levels of hemoglobin, transferrin saturation, and serum ferritin, especially during menstruation. Different age groups showed preferences for various non-nutritive substances, with ice and clay common among younger individuals and rice among older ones. Stressful environments and child neglect were associated with male cases. After iron therapy, 85.8% of patients showed improvement over 6 months. Symptoms like fever, palpitation, vomiting, abdominal pain, paleness, headaches, and hair loss were noted, potentially due to iron deficiency anemia or ingestion of foreign materials. The study recommended assessing ferritin and hemoglobin levels in all Pica patients and suggested the establishment of specialized health centers for management, particularly for young females.