Accidental Childhood Poisoning in Enugu; South-East; Nigeria

Background: Accidental childhood poisoning is one of the recognized causes of morbidity and mortality in children under the age of 5 years worldwide. The prevalence and type of substance ingested vary from place to place and over time.Aim: This study was conducted with the aim of ascertaining the frequency and pattern of accidental childhood poisoning in Enugu.Subjects and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the Emergency Paediatric Unit of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, South­East, Nigeria from January 2003 to December 2012 (10 years). All the cases of childhood accidental poisoning that presented within the period were reviewed and important information extracted.Results: Sixty­five cases of childhood poisoning were recorded during the 10­year period, giving an incidence rate of 442 per 100,000 children. The mean age was 22.15 ± 11.7 months. Male:female ratio was 1.5:1. The prevalence was higher among those with low socioeconomic background. Kerosene poisoning was the most common agent. The overall mortality rate was 3.1% (2/65).Conclusion: Accidental childhood poisoning is common in Enugu, with appreciable mortality, with kerosene being the most common agent. We advocate regulatory policy on proper ways of storing kerosene and other harmful household chemicals and medications

Awareness and Use of Insecticide-Treated Bed Nets among Children Attending Outpatient Clinic at UNTH; Enugu - the Need for an Effective Mobilization Process

Background: The promotion of insecticide-treated net (ITN) can be a key approach towards the reduction of morbidity and mortality from malaria. Objective: To determine the proportion of mothers using insecticide treated nets for their children and reasons for nonuse. Study design: Prospective hospital-based study. Method: Consecutive mothers attending the children's out patient clinic of UNTH; Ituku-Ozalla; Enugu; whose children presented with fever without localizing focus were interviewed with the aid of an open-ended structured questionnaire. Results: Awareness of ITN was found in 184 (80) of the 230 mothers interviewed; while only 48 (26.1) use it for their children. There was statistically significant difference in terms of ITN awareness between the highly educated mothers and those with lower educational qualification (p=0.000) but; in terms of ITN usage; there was no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.40). Socio economic class did not influence the use of ITN (p=0.153). A greater number; 56 (41.2) have no reason for non-use. Reasons for nonuse include use of windows and door nets 22 (16.2) and not convenient to spread 18 (13.2). Conclusion: There was a high awareness of ITN; which did not influence usage