Citation

O'Connor PJ. Inj. Prev. 2005; 11(4): 204-206.

Affiliation

peteroconnor@netspace.net.au

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/ip.2004.005926

PMID

16081746

PMCID

PMC1730237

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To assess differentials in the poisoning rates of children aged 0-4 years according to residential location and geographical remoteness. DESIGN: Cross sectional study based on hospitalizations. SETTING: Australia. SUBJECTS: Children aged 0-4 years admitted to hospital due to poisoning during the financial year 1996-97. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Crude rates of hospitalization. RESULTS: The rate of hospitalization due to poisoning peaked in the third year and second year of life for medicinal and non-medicinal substances respectively. Rates were significantly higher among children aged 0-4 years residing in rural and remote areas when compared with those residing in metropolitan areas, and rate differentials increased with geographical remoteness. CONCLUSIONS: The observed differentials suggest the need for targeted research and prevention efforts aimed at rural and remote area communities. A detailed empirical study is recommended, involving the assessment of risk factors and an in-home hazard checklist, as a precursor to any intervention program.