A Qualitative Study of Acute Poisoning Related Emergencies in the Paediatric Age Group

Background: this qualitative study presents an in-depth evaluation of the contributory psycho-socio-cultural and physical-economicfactors related to paediatric poisoning in rural sri lanka.method: the study was conducted at paediatric wards of anuradhapura teaching hospital (tha) over a period of two years (2012 –2014). main methods of data collection were participants’ narrative and focus group discussions (fgds). all parents of children withacute poisoning were recruited to fgds. the structure of phenomena was developed based on descriptive phenomenological inquiriesand key themes were identified at data analysis stage.results: 383 parents participated in focus group discussions. data were categorized to four domains; (1) parental awareness ofpoisoning risks, (2) presence of child, parent and environment related risk factors, (3) issues related to first aid care and provision ofcare until child was brought to emergency care unit, and (4) possible measures to prevent further poisoning. interaction of multiplerisk factors was observed in children with both intentional and unintentional poisoning. accidental poisonings were associated withcertain cultural practices, unsafe environment and unsafe storage of poisons. children with intentional poisoning frequently haddisrupted family relationships. harmful first aid measures and delayed presentation at the primary care unit had negative impact onpoisoning related outcomes. parents believed community education, safe storage of poisons, and safe environment would likely bringdown poison related morbidity.conclusion: person, poison and environment related risk factors can lead to acute poisoning emergencies in children in rural sri lanka.often multiple risk factors interact to bring about the poisoning event. avoidance of harmful first aid measures and early presentationat the primary care unit would bring down poisoning related morbidity. effect of community education, safe storage of poisons andsafe environment should be evaluated in the view of preventing poisoning.