Patterns and risk factors of acute poisoning among children in rural Sri Lanka

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: This controlled prospective study identifies the patterns and risk factors of acute poisoning in the paediatric age group in rural Sri Lanka. METHODS: All children presenting with a history of acute poisoning to the paediatric units of Anuradhapura Teaching .Hospital were included. Age and gender matched controls without any identifiable chronic medical conditions were recruited from the same population over the same duration. Data were collected using clinicai interviews, focused group discussions, and Bed Head Ticket based records over a period of eighteen months from March 2012 to September 2013. RESULTS: Analysis was based on 307 children with acute poisoning and 250 controls. Sixty percent of children with acute poisoning were males and most were between 2-4 years (49%). Odds ratios were calculated for each of the 24 risk factors proposed and each was used to create a logistic regression model together with age and gender. Application of Chi Square test in this model revealed inadequate supervision by the parents as the commonest risk factor (p< 0.001, Cl=95%) associated with acute poisoning. Other risk factors which showed a significant association (p< 0.001, Cl=95%) included unsafe storage of household chemicals, unsafe storage of medicines, poor extended family support, presence of poisonous plants in the neighborhood and poor maternal education. CONCLUSIONS: Children become victims of acute poisoning mostly secondary to inadequate supervision, unsafe environment and unsafe storage of poisons. As these risk factors are significantly associated with poisoning, community education, safe storage and assurance of safe environment should be evaluated.