Parental knowledge attitude and practices about chemical and medicinal poisons: A hospital based study from Karachi,
Feroza Perveen1, Naveed Ahmed2, Sarwat Masud2
1Department of Pharmacy, Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi, Pakistan.
Insights
Unintentional childhood poisoning is a major concern, especially in Pakistan. While many parents store chemicals safely, 20-30% need improved knowledge and practices regarding household poisons and first aid.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Public Health
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Unintentional poisoning is a leading cause of death in children globally, with higher incidence in low-income countries.
- In Pakistan, 10% of children aged 0-15 years experience unintentional poisonings, often from household chemicals and medicines.
- Parental knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) are crucial in preventing childhood poisoning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess parental KAP regarding poisonous household chemicals and medicines in Karachi, Pakistan.
- To identify gaps in parental knowledge and practices related to safe storage and emergency response for childhood poisoning.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional KAP study conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from May to August 2019.
- A sample of 364 parents of children aged 0-16 years completed a survey.
- Data analyzed using SPSS version 20, with Chi-square test for independence.
Main Results:
- 70% of parents stored chemicals and medicines in locked cabinets, and 80% avoided leaving medicines unattended.
- A significant proportion (20-30%) of parents demonstrated suboptimal knowledge and practices in storing hazardous household substances.
- A general lack of awareness regarding first aid for poisoning and emergency contact information was observed.
Conclusions:
- Targeted interventions are needed to improve the knowledge and practices of the remaining 20-30% of parents.
- Repeated community awareness sessions can enhance safe storage of household chemicals and medicines.
- Disseminating information on Poison Control Centers (PCCs) is vital for effective emergency response in cases of child poisoning.
Background:
Unintentional poisoning is among the leading cause of death in children less than 20 years age. The incidence of unintentional poisoning in Low-income countries LMICs is four times higher compared to high-income countries (HICs). In Pakistan a 10% (25/211) incidence of unintentional poisonings among 0-15-year-old children has been reported. Most of the poisoning occur because of household chemical and medicines. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of parents in Karachi regarding poisonous household chemicals and medicines.
Methods:
This KAP study was conducted at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi from May to August 2019. A maximum sample of 384 was calculated using a 50% knowledge about household chemicals. Data were collected about parental knowledge, attitude and practices about poisons and chemicals at home and presented as frequency and percentages. Chi-square test of independence (or Fisher's exact test) was used. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.
Results:
A total of 364 parents of 0-16-year-old children completed the survey out of which 229 were mothers and 127 were fathers (eight had missing data). We had 70% of parents that kept chemicals and medicines locked in cabinets and 80% chose to never leave medicines unattended, there are still 20-30% parents that need improvement in the parental knowledge and practices for storing chemicals and medicines. A general lack of knowledge regarding poisoning first aid and emergency response centers was noted.
Conclusions:
Two-pronged approach for future interventions could be useful; (1) Improving the knowledge and practice among the remaining 20-30% through repeated awareness' sessions for the community. (2) Information regarding PCCS needs to be made readily available to the parents which is a measure useful in cases a child poisoning occurs.
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