Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Nursing - Department of Pediatric Nursing

Accidental poisoning is one of the important causes of emergency unit admissions and it is a major cause of morbidity in the developing as well as the developed world. In spite of the success of some interventions to prevent accidental poisoning in the pediatric population, accidental poisoning continues to be a common occurrence. Aim of the study: To assess risk factors contributing to accidental poisoning among children less than six years. Research design: A descriptive exploratory design was conducted. Sample: A convenient sample of 100 caregivers with their children less than six years was diagnosed as accidental poisoning was included in the current study. Setting: This study was carried out at National Center for Clinical and Environmental Toxicology. Tool of data collection: A structured interview questionnaire used for data collection which includes: a- personal data about children and their caregivers, b- child{u2019}s assessment complains on admission to assess children health status and c- predisposing factors for poisoning. Results: Less than two thirds of children were males and less than one fourth of children their age ranged between 30<40 months. More than one third of children were active, more than half of children exposed to poisoning even in the presence of caregivers. Most of caregivers in the rural and urban areas had kerosene at their houses. Less than half of caregivers in rural areas storage medication in refrigerator. There was a positive correlation between frequency of exposing children to poisoning and child{u2019}s age

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