Ethnic Differences in Foreign Body Ingestion: Insights Into Social and Epidemiological Aspects

Foreign body ingestion (FBI) in children is a worldwide health concern, yet little research has examined the influence of ethnicity and socioeconomic background. This study compared the epidemiology of FBI among Jewish and Bedouin children in southern Israel, two populations with distinct social and economic profiles.

A retrospective review was conducted of children presenting with FBI to the emergency department at Saban Children's Hospital between 2022 and 2023.

A total of 479 children were identified, 53.9% males, with a median age of 6.1 years; 66% were Bedouin. The overall prevalence of FBI was 0.15 per 100 children, with higher rates among Bedouins than Jews (0.19 vs. 0.10 per 100, p < 0.005). Uniquely, Bedouin females presented more often than males. Blunt objects accounted for most ingestions (48.5%), followed by sharp objects (26.7%). Bedouin children ingested sharp objects more frequently than Jews (33.5% vs. 13.5%), while magnet ingestion was more common among Jews (16.6% vs. 3.5%). Hospitalisation was also higher in Bedouins (52.2% vs. 35.6%).

Bedouin children experienced higher rates of FBI and hospitalisation, likely reflecting socioeconomic disadvantage. Cultural practices, such as hijab pin use, may explain the predominance among Bedouin girls. Targeted education could reduce this burden.