STUDY OF ETIOLOGICAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF HOUSEHOLD ACCIDENTAL POISONING IN CHILDREN AT COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE KOTKHAI, SHIMLA

Poonam Kanwar and *Nitesh Kanwar

ABSTRACT

A retrospective analysis of all poisoning cases admitted to CHC Kotkhai from Jan 2018 to Dec 2020 was done to study the pattern of poisoning reported. Accidental poisoning is a problem of huge magnitude and a persistent cause of injury related morbidity and mortality worldwide.[1] Once children reach the age of five years, unintentional injuries are the biggest threat to their survival. Unintentional injuries are also a major cause of disabilities, which can have a long-lasting impact on all facets of children’s lives: relationships, learning and play. Among those children who live in poverty, the burden of injury is highest, as these children are less likely to benefit from the protective measures others may receive. Children’s maturity and their interests and needs differ from adults. Therefore, simply reproducing injury prevention strategies that are relevant to adults does not adequately protect children. There are proven interventions such as child car seats, cycling helmets, child-resistant packaging for medications, fencing around swimming pools, hot water tap temperature regulation and window guards, to name a few. Objective of the study was to evaluate the pattern of poisoning at a primary care hospital at Shimla, and to study the socio-demographic profile of the same. Data collected using a pretested performa and the values were analyzed and presented.

Keywords: Therefore, simply reproducing injury prevention strategies that are relevant to adults does not adequately protect children.