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Pre-school childhood poisoning in Thailand
K Chatsantiprapa1, R Pattraranit, P Chatsantiprapa
1Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Khon Kaen University, Thailand.
Insights
Preschool poisoning in Khon Kaen province shows lower incidence than Western studies, possibly due to family caregivers. However, caregiver limitations like illiteracy and poor supervision pose risks.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Child poisoning is a significant public health concern globally.
- Previous studies in Western countries highlight high incidence rates and specific risk factors.
- Understanding regional variations in poisoning incidence and contributing factors is crucial for targeted prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the incidence and characteristics of pre-school poisoning in Khon Kaen province, Thailand.
- To compare findings with existing literature from Western studies.
- To identify risk factors and protective factors associated with childhood poisoning in this specific region.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study design was employed.
- Data was collected from hospital attendances related to poisoning in pre-school children in Khon Kaen province.
- Analysis focused on incidence rates, demographics, and caregiver characteristics.
Main Results:
- The incidence rate and proportion of hospital attendances due to poisoning were lower than reported in Western studies.
- Grandparents and parents played a significant role in child-rearing, associated with increased affection.
- Caregivers exhibited disadvantages such as illiteracy, age limitations, improper supervision, and a poor understanding of poisoning risks.
Conclusions:
- Family-centered child-rearing practices may contribute to lower poisoning rates in Khon Kaen.
- Despite lower overall incidence, caregiver limitations present significant risks for childhood poisoning.
- Targeted educational interventions for caregivers are needed to mitigate poisoning risks.
Abstract:
A descriptive study of pre-school poisoning in Khon Kaen province revealed that poisoning had a lower incidence rate and a much lower proportion of all hospital attendances than that reported in western studies. This could have been because grandparents, if not parents, still had a major role in child-rearing. This advantage was supported by increased affection as reflected by the finding that children were described as easy-to-take-care of ("Jiang-ngai") and not difficult ("liang-yaak") children, as reported in previous western studies where non-related baby-sitters were common. However, many disadvantages including illiteracy, age disabilities, improper supervision, and poor understanding of the risks of poisoning were identified in child caregivers in this study.