Case-Control Study Of Risk Factors Associated With Acute Unintentional Poisoning In Children Aged 1-12 Years In A District Hospital, Puducherry, India

Abstract

Unintentional poisoning, particularly among children under five, is a global concern. A case-control study conducted in a South Indian tertiary care institute aimed to identify socio-epidemiological risk factors for acute unintentional poisoning in children aged 1-12 years. Through caregiver interviews, 480 children were categorized as cases (with acute unintentional poisoning) or controls (with acute medical illnesses). Household poisons ingestion was prevalent, with inadequate storage and accessibility as significant contributors. Prompt hospital presentation correlated with better outcomes. Higher birth order, low maternal education, paternal substance abuse, and inadequate storage emerged as risk factors. Though developmental delays weren't prevalent, maternal education, paternal income, and substance abuse were linked to childhood poisoning. Targeted interventions promoting household safety, parental education, and supervision are crucial for prevention, along with health education campaigns on safe storage practices, labeling, and substance disposal. Timely medical intervention and improved healthcare access are essential to reduce childhood poisoning-related morbidity and mortality, especially in resource-limited settings like India.