the article Socio-demographic factors associated with acute poisoning in children presenting at a tertiary care hospital
Socio-demographic factors associated with acute poisoning in children presenting at a tertiary care hospital
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Acute poisoning in children is an important cause of admission. The socio-demographic factors may vary from one to the other set-up.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to find out the socio-demographic factors associated with acute poisoning in children in our setup.
Study Design: Observational Cross- Sectional study
Place & Duration Of Study: Emergency section of Pediatric Medicine, Mayo Hospital Lahore. From November 3rd, 2020 to June 3rd, 2021
MATERIALS & METHODS: In this observational cross-sectional study, 100 patients presenting to the Department of Pediatrics, Mayo Hospital (KEMU), Lahore with acute poisoning were included after obtaining informed consent to find out the potential contributing factors.
RESULTS: Median age was 2.5 years (IQR 11.7) and 57% of patients belonged to the toddler age group (1-3 years). The male-to-female ratio was 2.1: 1. Most, 88% belonged to the urban area and 96% of cases were of unintentional poisoning. Only 10% of mothers were working women and 60% of mothers were educated. Ninety-seven percent of cases occurred at home. In 4% of cases, the poisonous substance was given by a sibling or caregiver. The route of ingestion was oral in all cases. A previous history of poisoning was present in 4% of cases and 24% had a family history of addiction. In 40% of cases, the poisonous substance was stored in empty containers of cold drink bottles. In 75% of cases, the poisonous substance was easily accessible.
CONCLUSION: The toddler age group (1-3 years), male gender, urban area of origin, unsafe storage in empty containers of cold drink bottles, easy accessibility to the poisonous substance, and family history of addiction were common factors associated with acute poisoning among children in our setup.
KEYWORDS: acute poisoning, contributing factor, socio-demographic, toxicity
