“A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY TO ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE OF MOTHERS REGARDING PICA AMONG THEIR TODDLER CHILDREN IN SELECTED URBAN AREAS OF KANPUR, UTTAR PRADESH”

Abstract

Picais characterized by an appetite for substances largely non-nutritive, such asice,clay,chalk,dirt, orsand. Pica is eating disorder, of the eating behaviour in childhood. It is defined as the persistent intake of non-nutritional substances for at least one month. Picais morecommonlyseen in women and children, where it affects people of all ages in these subgroups. Particularly it is seen in pregnant, small children, and those with developmental disabilitiessuch asautism. Pica, or the intentional consumption of things commonly considered as inedible, is a very old phenomenon.