Childhood Accidental Poisoning in Tafila

Objective: To asses the frequency, causes and how to increase the awareness of childhoodpoisoning.Material Methods: A retrospective study of childhood accidental poisoning was conducted inTafila Prince Zeid Hospital (PZH) by reviewing the files of 134 children admitted with accidentalpoisoning in 2003-2005.Findings: This study showed that accidental poisoning was frequent but morbidity was low andthere were no deaths. Analgesics and antihistamines were the most frequently ingested drugs.Conclusion: The frequency of accidental poisoning is common in Tafila. Household chemicalsand medication were the predominant. So, that merits the introduction of a public awarenesscampaign and increased use of child-resistant containers is important preventive measures thatdeserve more attention.