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Unnecessary injections given to children under five years
D Ashwath1, C Latha, M B Soudarssanane
1Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry, U.K.
Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|May 1, 1993
Summary
Many children received unnecessary injections from private doctors, leading to adverse health outcomes. Some children experienced paralysis due to aggravation poliomyelitis following these unneeded medical procedures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Pediatric healthcare often involves injections for various illnesses.
- Parental understanding of injection necessity and contents can be limited.
- The role of private practitioners in pediatric injection practices warrants examination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the frequency and perceived necessity of injections administered to children.
- To investigate the association between injections and adverse health events in pediatric patients.
- To understand parental attitudes towards childhood injections.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted with adults accompanying 64 children at a hospital out-patient clinic.
- Data collected focused on treatments and injections received in the preceding month.
- Questionnaires addressed the type of treatment, provider, and perceived necessity of injections.
Main Results:
- Half of the 64 children received injections, predominantly from private doctors.
- The majority of these injections were deemed unnecessary by the study.
- A significant adverse event was noted: three girls developed paralysis due to aggravation poliomyelitis following unnecessary injections.
Conclusions:
- A high proportion of pediatric injections may be unnecessary, particularly those administered by private doctors.
- Unnecessary injections pose a risk of serious adverse events, including paralysis.
- There is a need for improved patient education and oversight of injection practices in pediatric care.