::INDO AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES::

CODEN : IAJPBB
issn 2349-7750

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TITLE:

PREVALENCE OF NAIL-BITING IN CHILDREN AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH MENTAL HEALTH IN PAKISTAN

AUTHORS:

Dr Misbah Arshad, Dr Iqra Khan, Dr Kashif Javed

ABSTRACT:

Introduction: The crossing of digit from an individual’s mouth known as onychophagia. Nail-biting is not a life-threatening condition. However, the border between its healthy and unhealthy associations still need conclusive establishment. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of nail-biting among children in Pakistan and its association with pediatric mental health. Methodology: Sample size was parents of 171 children between the ages 4-10 selected by convenience sampling. Data collection was conducted with a use of questionnaire in DHQ hospital, Faisalabad. All participants of the study were explained the purpose of the study and written consent was obtained. Results: The overall prevalence of nail-biting in the sample was 39.2%. The prevalence in boys and girls was not statistically significant (P = 0.06). The mean total SDQ score was 15.3 (SD = 5.3) and the mean prosocial score was 6.8 (SD = 2.2). The comparison of the effect of a child’s schooling neither showed any significant effect on nail-biting frequency (P = 0.093) nor on SDQ score (P = 0.845). Conclusion: To conclude more research should be done on the importance of nail biting in children, parents and pediatricians alike should pay special attention to children that bite their nails.