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Risk factors for accidental poisoning in urban Malaysian children
B H Azizi1, H I Zulkifli, M S Kasim
1Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur.
Insights
Young children, particularly boys, are most at risk for acute poisoning. Key risk factors include Indian race, young parental age, and short duration of residence, informing prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Childhood poisoning is a significant public health concern requiring identification of risk factors.
- Understanding demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with acute poisoning is crucial for targeted prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify independent predictors and risk factors for acute childhood poisoning.
- To explore interactions between identified risk factors in predicting poisoning events.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study comparing 70 children hospitalized for acute poisoning with 140 age-matched controls.
- Univariate and logistic regression analyses were employed to determine significant risk factors and predictors.
Main Results:
- Children under 3 years and boys were most frequently affected.
- Significant risk factors included Indian race, parental age under 21, and residence duration under 1 year.
- Interactions were observed between race/residence duration and parental age/residence duration.
Conclusions:
- Indian race, young parental age, and short residence duration are independent predictors of acute childhood poisoning.
- These findings can guide the development of effective preventive measures and public health interventions.
Abstract:
In a case control study, 70 children consecutively hospitalized for acute ingestion of poisons were compared with 140 other hospitalized children matched for age. Children aged less than 3 years and boys were most often the victims. Univariate analysis identified Indian race, having a parent younger than 21 years, residing at present address for less than 1 year and living in a household with more than five occupants as significant risk factors. Experience of a recent stressful event in the family barely failed to reach the level of significance. Logistic regression analysis confirmed that Indian race, having a parent younger than 21 years and residing less than 1 year at the present address were independent predictors of acute poisoning. Positive interactions were noted between Indian race and duration of residence and between parental age and duration of residence. Knowledge of risk factors and their interactions may be useful in planning preventive measures against childhood poisoning.