Pica its Related Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Pregnant Women in Kermanshah

Abstract

Introduction: In the literature Pica is reported to be prevalent in pregnant women, who, reported to have eaten substances that were clearly not foods but some thing which has been defined as “Pica”. Pica is an eating disorder, which may cause severe problems such as chemicals or heavy metals (e.g. lead) toxicity, intestinal obstruction and iron deficiency anaemia. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of pica and its relationship with iron deficiency anaemia among pregnant women who referred to Community Oriented Medical Services of Kermanshah during 2001.