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Pica among mentally retarded adults
American Journal of Mental Deficiency
|September 1, 1982
Summary
Pica, the persistent eating of nonfood items, affects over a quarter of institutionalized adults with intellectual disabilities. This eating disorder is more common in younger individuals and those with lower IQs, leading to health issues.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Pica is a complex eating disorder characterized by the persistent ingestion of nonnutritive substances.
- Prevalence and associated factors of pica in institutionalized populations require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of pica in a population of institutionalized mentally retarded adults.
- To investigate the relationship between pica, age, IQ, and specific medical complications.
Main Methods:
- A population-based study of 991 institutionalized mentally retarded adults.
- Data collection on pica prevalence (food, nonfood, and combination), age, IQ, and medical history.
- Categorization of ingested items into food and nonfood groups.
Main Results:
- Pica was identified in 25.8% of the study population.
- Nonfood pica (16.7%) was more prevalent than food pica (5.4%).
- Pica prevalence decreased with age, primarily due to reduced nonfood pica; low IQ correlated with higher nonfood pica rates.
- Medical complications like intestinal obstruction and increased gastrointestinal parasites were observed in individuals with pica.
Conclusions:
- Pica is a significant issue among institutionalized adults with intellectual disabilities.
- Age and IQ are important factors influencing pica prevalence and type.
- Pica is associated with serious medical complications, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.