FACTORS LEADING TO ACUTE ACCIDENTAL POISONING AMONG CHILDREN PRESENTING IN PEDIATRIC EMERGENCY OF A TERTAIRY CARE HOSPITAL

  • DR. AMIR RASHID Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore
  • DR. RIZWAN GOHAR Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore
  • DR. TARIQ BHATTI Postgraduate Medical Institute, Lahore
Keywords: Poisoning, Kerosine Oil, Organophosphorous

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of risk factors leading to acute accidental poisoning in children presenting in emergency of a tertiary care hospital.

Material and Methods: This study was conducted from 20th April 2012 to 19th Oct 2012 in Pediatric ward emergency, Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. There were 200 patients included in this study presented to emergency department with poisoning.

Results: A total of 200 patients were included. Age ranged from 1 year to 8 years with a mean age of 3.49 years and standard deviation (SD) of ± 1.77 years. Majority patients were upto 5 years of age 82.5%(165) and the patients above 5 years were 17.5%(35). Male were predominantly involved 76%(152) and females were 24%(48). There was easy access to poison in 84.5%(169) of the cases. Most of the mothers were illiterate or had education less than middle 71%(142). There were 29%(58) mothers who had education more than middle. Large family size with 3 or more kids were 66.5%(133) and families with less than 3 kids were 33.5%(67). Those with poor socioeconomic status (income per month less than 8250 Rs) were 73.5%(147). There were 77.5%(155) mothers who did not had awareness about toxic effects of the poison. Storage at common places was in 88%(176). Common places of storage were: kitchen 38.5%(77), understairs 21%(42), bedroom 15.5%(31), bathroom 6.5%(13) and elsewhere (roof, floor etc) 6.5%(13). Mother’s distraction was found in 91.5% (183) of the cases.

Conclusion: Male sex, age less than five years, easy access to poisonous substance, family size three or more kids at home, poor socioeconomic status, lack of maternal awareness about toxic effects of poison, storage at common places and mother’s distraction were factors leading to acute accidental poisoning in this study.

Published
2014-09-01