Clinic-Epidemiological Study Poisoning at Childhood
Abstract
Introduction: Poisoning, along with accidents represent a major cause of morbidity and mortality in childhood, in all developed countries. Statistical studies and epidemiological observations have shown that despite major decreases in fatal child poisoning cases that have occured achieved in developed and developing countries during the past decades, unintentional poisoning of children remains an important public health concern worldwide. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence and the type of poisoning in children, compared with various demographic and socioeconomic factors. Material and Method: Data was extracted from the Medical Records of 860 children, that were admitted to the Pediatric Hospital of Athens “Panagiotou and Aglaia Kuriakou” with poisoning, in the decade of 2010. A special registration sheet was used for data collection. Results: From the 860 cases that were evaluated in this study, 45% were girls and 55% were boys aged between 0–14 years, the median age was 1,95±1,0 years. No statistically significant differences with respect to gender were found from the statistical analysis, although boys had a higher incidence to girls in poisoning (p>0,05). The age group of 1-2 years consumed cigarettes more often (p<0,001) and in the same group first aid is given more often (p<0,001), faster medical help is sought (p<0,001) and they are treated more often with the administration of activated carbon and hydric diuresis (p< 0,001). Children who live in Athens smoke more often (p<0,001), and are also in the same group which seeks medical help faster (p<0,001) and are hospitalized for a shorter period of time (p<0,001). Children of parents with higher education smoke more often (p<0,05), are given first aid more often (p<0,05) and seek medical help faster (p<0,05). Conclusion: Poisonings of children in our country are generally mild, have a good outcome, while their frequency is associated with the general socio-economic living conditions.
