RESUMO
This study aims at analyzing the patterns of poisoning cases reported to the Jordan National Drug and Poison Information Center and emphasizes the roles and challenges faced by the center from a practical perspective. A retrospective analysis of a three year period 2006- 2008 was conducted depending on the data collected by the center. Analysis of data shows that a total of 914 inquiries were received by the center during the study period. More than 90% of the enquiries were from health care providers and 3.6% from the public that included victims and victims' relatives. The exposed population age ranged from less than 1 year to 80 years, with the highest incidence in children less or equal to 5 years [34.9%]. The most common reason of poisoning was unintentional [49.39%], followed by suicidal attempts [23.94%]. The highest incidence of poisoning was due to drugs which accounted for more than 42% of all exposures, where acetaminophen products were responsible for most of the cases within this category [13.4%]. The poisoning features in Jordan reflect mostly the incidences of poisoning within Amman- the capital of Jordan- in addition to other major cities in the country. Yet the center seeks more perception from the public, support from healthcare providers and verification from related governmental parties, which will enable the center to fulfill its duties according to international standards