Risk Factors For Unintentional Childhood Poisoning

Abstract

Objectives:   To   identify   child  or  family  related  risk  factors   for

unintentional childhood  poisoning in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq  and to suggest

possible causes and preventive measures.

Methods: This is an epidemiological description and a case-control study. The study was undertaken in Sulaymani ,in 2004-2005. Cases were 200 children who were admitted to the hospital for treatment of poisoning. For every case two controls  were selected. Al l   parents of the children were interviewed  by  using a  questionnaire  that  incl uded  demographic  and poisoning characteristic information.

Results: Kerosene poisoning was more  common among children (60%)

and most poison ing occurred inside the home (88%).

Boys (65%), and children aged 1-5 years (79%) had most poisoning than

others. Tn  75% of cases,  poisonous products were accessible. Children without adult supervision and those with previous poisoning were at increased risk of poisoning (P<0.05)

Conclusion: Adequate parental supervision and safe packing, storage and disposal of potentially hazardous substances could be the most important act ivities lor the prevention of childhood  poisoning. Furthem1ore, child

resistant containers for drugs and household products is one  or the most

i mportant   interventions   in    the   reduction   of   chi ldhood    poisoning

incidence.

Keywords:Poisoning, children, risk factors