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Population attributable risk of unintentional childhood poisoning in Karachi Pakistan

Bilal Ahmed1, Zafar Fatmi, Amna R Siddiqui

  • 1Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan. bilal.ahmed@aku.edu

Plos One
|November 3, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Unintentional childhood poisoning is largely preventable. Key risk factors like unsafe storage of chemicals and socioeconomic status contribute significantly, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies in Pakistan.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Toxicology
  • Public Health Research
  • Environmental Health

Background:

  • Childhood poisoning poses a significant public health burden.
  • Identifying population attributable risk (PAR) factors is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
  • Understanding modifiable risk factors can guide targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the population attributable risk (PAR) of unintentional childhood poisoning.
  • To identify key modifiable risk factors associated with childhood poisoning in a Pakistani population.
  • To inform public health policies for poisoning prevention.

Main Methods:

  • A hospital-based, matched case-control study was conducted.
  • 120 cases of unintentional poisoning were compared with 360 controls.
  • Population attributable risks (PARs) were calculated for identified risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Significant PARs were observed for unsafe storage of chemicals (12%), hyperactivity (19%), storing fuel in beverage bottles (40%), low socioeconomic status (48%), and maternal lack of education (38%).
  • Overall, 48% of poisoning cases were attributable to at least one of the six studied risk factors.
  • Approximately half of all unintentional childhood poisoning cases in this population could potentially be avoided.

Conclusions:

  • Potentially modifiable risk factors account for a substantial proportion of unintentional childhood poisoning cases.
  • Findings underscore the significant potential for primary prevention of childhood poisoning in Pakistan.
  • Interventions targeting unsafe storage, socioeconomic factors, and education are recommended.
Abstract

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