Childhood Poisoning at a Tertiary Hospital in South West Nigeria

Authors

  • Oladele Simeon Olatunya Department of Paediatrics Ekiti State University /Teaching Hospital Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State
  • Ayodeji Olusola Isinkaye Federal Medical Centre Ido Ekiti Community Medicine Dept
  • Ezra Olatunde Ogundare Dept of Paediatrics Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital Ado Ekiti
  • Isaac Oludare Oluwayemi Department of Paediatrics, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital
  • Foluso John Akinola Department of Paediatriics, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v35i2.12548

Keywords:

Childhood poisoning, Child deaths, Southwest, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Poisoning is a preventable cause of childhood morbidity and mortality. Information on childhood poisoning in the developing world is scanty. This study describes the profile of childhood poisoning in a third world hospital.

Materials and Methods: Children admitted with poisoning over a 48-months period at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital Ado-Ekiti, Southwest Nigeria, were reviewed.

Results: It was found that 81 of 5256 admissions representing 1.54% of the total admissions were due to poisoning. Kerosene, Drugs, Alcohol based herbal concoction, pesticides, corrosive agents and carbon monoxide were involved in 37.0%, 22.2%, 19.8%, 8.6%, 6.2% and 6.2% respectively. Accidental and non-accidental intentions were involved in 85.2% and 14.8% cases respectively. Administration of palm oil (oil from Elais guineensis), vomiting induction and herbal concoction were the leading home interventions in 69.1%, 38.3% and 23.5% respectively. One patient required intensive care. There were seven deaths and overall mortality rate was 8.6%.

Conclusion: Poisoning remains a cause of childhood morbidity and mortality in Nigeria. Establishment of poisoning information and control centre is recommended among other strategies to combat its scourge.

J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2015;35(2):103-110

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Author Biography

Ayodeji Olusola Isinkaye, Federal Medical Centre Ido Ekiti Community Medicine Dept

Community medicine

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Published

2016-01-20

How to Cite

Olatunya, O. S., Isinkaye, A. O., Ogundare, E. O., Oluwayemi, I. O., & Akinola, F. J. (2016). Childhood Poisoning at a Tertiary Hospital in South West Nigeria. Journal of Nepal Paediatric Society, 35(2), 103–110. https://doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v35i2.12548

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Section

Original Articles