Outcomes of Patients with Acute Chemical Poisoning in Public Referral Hospitals of Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Acute chemical poisoning is a global public health concern. It is influenced by factors such as geographical differences, availability of chemical substances, occupation, and industrialization. Widespread pesticide use in developing countries increased its incidences. There is insufficient epidemiological data in the region to manage and intervene the problem. The study aims to assess the outcome of acute chemical poisoning cases in two public specialized hospitals of Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia from May 2022 to November 2023.

Method: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Emergency departments of the two public hospitals in Bahir Dar City from May 2022 to November 2023 to assess the outcome of acute chemical poisoning cases. A total of 619 registered patients diagnosed with poisoning were included in the study. Socio-demographic data were collected from the medical records of acute poisoning patients using a data collection checklist. Descriptive analysis was performed using statistical tools in Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), and the results were presented through tables and graphs. Ethical approval was obtained from the Amhara National Regional State Public Health Institute Research Ethics Review Board (ARRERB), and cooperation letters to the hospitals were requested.

Results: There was a higher incidence of chemical poisoning in females than in males. Seventy percent of the cases were between 15-29 years of age. 86.16% of the chemical poisoning cases were attributed to Organophosphates and Metallo Phosphides. The most reported complaints 97.4% cases were vomiting, and abdominal pain. Chemical poisoning cases were primarily intentional accounting for 93.3% of the cases. Twelve percent of acute chemical poisoning cases were died. The study indicates a higher (32.10%) cases in Spring and fewer (18.01%) cases in Autumn.

Conclusion: Acute chemical poisoning is more common in females and youths aged 11-30 years, primarily due to organophosphorus chemicals, often resulting from intentional poisoning. Effective strategies are essential for safely storing and distributing highly toxic chemicals, especially to prevent children from accessing them.