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A pattern of acute poisoning in children in urban Zimbabwe: ten years experience

O M Kasilo1, C F Nhachi

  • 1Department of Pharmacy, University of Zimbabwe Medical School, Avondale, Harare.

Human & Experimental Toxicology
|September 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Childhood poisoning in Zimbabwe is largely accidental, with household products and traditional medicines being common culprits. Accidental poisonings were most frequent in children aged 0-5 years, while suicides were noted in older children.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Childhood poisoning is a significant public health concern globally.
  • Understanding the epidemiology of poisoning in children is crucial for developing targeted prevention strategies.
  • Zimbabwean data on childhood poisoning trends, particularly from the 1980s, provides valuable insights into regional patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the epidemiology of childhood poisoning in Zimbabwe.
  • To identify common toxic agents and demographic patterns in pediatric poisoning cases.
  • To evaluate mortality rates and contributing factors in child poisoning admissions.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of hospital admission data for poisoning cases.
  • Inclusion of data from six major urban hospitals in Zimbabwe.
  • Study period: 10 years (1980-1989), focusing on children aged 0-15 years.

Main Results:

  • Children aged 0-15 years accounted for 47.8% of all poisoning admissions (2873 cases).
  • The majority of pediatric cases (75.4%) were in the 0-5 age group, with peak incidence between 1-3 years.
  • Accidental poisonings predominated (93.2%), with household products (27.2%) and traditional medicines (23%) as leading agents. Mortality was 4.9% (141 deaths).

Conclusions:

  • Childhood poisoning in urban Zimbabwe during the 1980s was primarily accidental and affected young children.
  • Household products and traditional medicines represent key areas for poisoning prevention efforts.
  • While overall mortality was low, suicides in older children and accidental poisonings in younger children contributed to fatalities.

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