Table 1 Summary data on prevalence of pica with mental retardation
From: Intestinal obstruction in a mentally retarded patient due to pica
Author | Pica definition | Method | Population setting (N) | Prevalence (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Matson et al. [7] | DSM-IV criteria | Psychological and functional assessment | Institution (790) | 5.7 |
Applegate et al. [8] | Not stated, but not cooccurring with SIB, stereotypy, aggression, or ruminatio | Not mention | Developmental Center (417) | 7.2 |
McAlpine et al. [9] | Eating non-food items and inappropriate food items | direct observation and/or review of medical problems | Institution (607) | 9.2 |
Tewari et al. [10] | Eating non-food items and inappropriate food items | Information solicited from senior nursing staff | Learning Disability Hospital (246) | 10.1 |
Swift et al. [11] | Frequent consumption of non-food and food related substances | Survey questionnaire, verbal questioning, and/or review of medical problems | Residential Facility (689) | 22.1 |
Danford et al. [2] | Frequent consumption of non-food and food related substances | Staff interviews and/or direct observation | Institution (991) | 25.8 |
Lohiya et al. [12] | Not mention | Not mention | Institution (323; 66) | 77 (in 1977) 16.7 (in 1994) |