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Drug and chemical poisoning admissions at a teaching hospital in Malaysia

A F Ab Rahman1

  • 1Drug Information Unit, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan. fatah@usm.my

Human & Experimental Toxicology
|September 25, 2002
PubMed

Insights

This study reviewed drug and chemical poisoning cases in Malaysia, finding children were most affected by unintentional poisonings from kerosene, pesticides, and medicines. Prevention efforts should target children and farmers.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Toxicology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Poisoning remains a significant public health concern globally.
  • Understanding local patterns of poisoning is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the epidemiological patterns of drug and chemical poisoning cases admitted to a Malaysian teaching hospital.
  • To identify common poisoning agents and demographic trends over a nine-year period.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective review of medical records was conducted.
  • Data from patients admitted between January 1987 and December 1995 were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Poisoning cases constituted 0.2% of total hospital admissions.
  • Children were the predominant age group affected by poisoning.
  • Unintentional poisonings (77.8%) were most common, with kerosene, pesticides, and medicinal substances as leading agents.
  • Many patients experienced delays in seeking treatment, and no child fatalities were recorded.

Conclusions:

  • The findings highlight the need for targeted poisoning prevention programs, particularly for children and agricultural workers (farmers).
  • Public health interventions should focus on reducing unintentional exposures to common household and agricultural chemicals.

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