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A cross-sectional study of children with acute poisoning: A three-year retrospective analysis

Tigist Bacha1, Birkneh Tilahun2

  • 1Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

World Journal of Emergency Medicine
|December 23, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Childhood poisoning in developing countries is often unintentional and caused by prescribed drugs. Early presentation to healthcare facilities is linked to younger age, but psychosocial support is lacking for affected children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Toxicology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Limited data exists on childhood poisoning burden in developing nations.
  • Acute poisoning in children presents unique challenges in resource-limited settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize children with acute poisoning.
  • To identify factors influencing presentation time and poisoning nature.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted in three pediatric referral hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
  • Demographic data and poisoning characteristics were analyzed.
  • Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.

Main Results:

  • 128 children with acute poisoning were analyzed over three years.
  • Prescribed drugs were the most common cause (29.7%), with 73.5% of incidents being unintentional.
  • Younger children (under 2 years) presented earlier, while older children (over 5 years) were more prone to intentional poisoning.

Conclusions:

  • Unintentional poisoning, particularly from prescribed drugs, is prevalent among children.
  • There is a critical need for psychosocial evaluation and counseling for poisoned children.
  • Community education and caregiver awareness are essential for poisoning prevention.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChildrenEthiopiaPoisoning

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