Pica and amylophagy are common among Malagasy men, women and children.

ABSTRACT: Pica, the craving and purposive consumption of non-food substances, is of public health concern for its potential deleterious and salubrious health consequences. However, neither its prevalence nor demographic correlates have been well characterized. Therefore, we conducted the first population-based study of pica and amylophagy in Madagascar. From February to December 2009, we surveyed pica and amylophagy behaviors in a random sample of 760 individuals >5 years in 167 households among two ethnic groups in 16 villages in the Makira Protected Area of Madagascar. Of the 760 individuals interviewed, 62.5% were children (5-11 years), 5.4% were adolescents (12-16 years), and 35.1% were adults (≥ 17 years). Thirteen non-food items were reported being consumed. Across the entire population in the

SUBMITTER: Golden CD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3474809 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature