Socio-Demographic Evaluation of Patients Admitted to the Pediatric Emergency Department and Outpatient Clinic With A Diagnosis of Intoxication
Halil Alkaya1, Tamay Gürbüz1, Tuğba Altıntaş2, Cağatay Nuhoğlu11Department of Pediatrics, Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Türkiye2Department of Health Management, Üsküdar University, İstanbul, Türkiye
INTRODUCTION: This study aims to retrospectively analyze the demographic, sociocultural, and clinical characteristics of childhood poisoning cases. The study evaluates the types of substances causing poisoning, their distribution by age group, hospital admission times, and treatment approaches.
METHODS: Poisoning cases in individuals under 18 years of age who presented to the Pediatric Emergency Department of Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital in 2017 were retrospectively examined. Patients’ age, gender, cause of poisoning, treatment methods, and clinical data were recorded. The NCSS 2007 program was used for statistical analyses.
RESULTS: The study included 112 children. Poisoning occurred at home in 94.6% of cases; 58.0% were suicide attempts, and 42.0% were accidental. The most common toxic substances were antidepressants (18.8%) and analgesics (17.9%). Poisoning involved self-administration in 41.1% of cases and others’ medications in 53.5%. Depression was the most common comorbid condition (27.4%).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Poisoning is a significant health issue, particularly in children under five years of age and those over twelve. Education for families, psychological support, and early intervention are essential. Teaching young children not to taste unknown substances, encouraging adolescents through confidence-building and problem-solving strategies, increasing adolescent health centers, and restricting over-the-counter drug sales could reduce poisoning incidents.
Keywords: Childhood poisoning, suicide attempts, toxic substances
Makale Dili: İngilizce