Accidental poisoning in children admitted to emergency department

Abstract EN

Accidental childhood poisoning is a major health problem, and needs a reviewing of preventive measures.

One hundred cases of accidental childhood poisoning in Wo main pediatric hospitals in Basrah were recorded.

Accidental poisoning constituted about 15 % of total paediatric admissions.

Children below 5years of age were mostly affected 73 % ; slight male to female preponderance had been reported 57% & 43 % respectively.

58 % of cases were from urban areas and 42 % from rural areas.

Kerosene has been noted as the most important cause of poisoning and accounts for 56 % of cases ; other substances include household chemicals 26 %, drugs 14 % and plants 4 %.

Low maternal educational levels and poor safety measures are important contributing factors for accidental poisoning.