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Accidental Childhood Poisoning in Enugu, South-East, Nigeria

B O Edelu1, O I Odetunde1, C B Eke1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria.

Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research
|July 12, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Accidental childhood poisoning is a significant health concern, with kerosene identified as the leading cause in Enugu. This study highlights the need for better storage of household chemicals to prevent such incidents.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Public Health
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Accidental childhood poisoning is a major global cause of illness and death in children under five.
  • The incidence and types of ingested substances differ geographically and over time.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the frequency and patterns of accidental childhood poisoning in Enugu.
  • To analyze demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with poisoning cases.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study of childhood poisoning cases at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu.
  • Data collected over a 10-year period (January 2003 - December 2012).

Main Results:

  • 65 cases of childhood poisoning were recorded, with an incidence rate of 442 per 100,000 children.
  • Kerosene was the most frequent poisoning agent, and prevalence was higher in lower socioeconomic groups.
  • The overall mortality rate was 3.1%.

Conclusions:

  • Childhood poisoning is prevalent in Enugu, with significant mortality, kerosene being the primary agent.
  • Recommendations include regulatory policies for safe storage of kerosene and household chemicals.
Abstract

Keywords:
Accidental poisoningChildhoodKerosene

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