Burden of chemical poisoning and contributing factors in the case of the Amhara Region, Ethiopia.

Journal: BMC public health

Volume: 24

Issue: 1

Year of Publication: 2024

Affiliated Institutions:  Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia. chalachewyenew@gmail.com. Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia. Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Injibara University, Injibara, Ethiopia. Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia.

Abstract summary 

This study aimed to evaluate the burden of chemical poisoning and its associated factors at the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) pilot surveillance sites in the Amhara region, Northwest Ethiopia. The analysis of burdens and contributing factors is intended to inform targeted interventions and enhance public health strategies.A cross-sectional study was conducted at TibebeGhionComprehensive Specialized Hospital(TGCSH) and FelegeHiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital(FHCSH) in the Amhara region of Ethiopia from June to November 2021. Data were collected using structured tools and analyzed with SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics assessed the burden of chemical poisoning, while Chi-square analysis identified significant factors associated with the burden of chemical poisoning.The study reported a total of 184 chemical poisoning cases at TGCSH and FHCSH in the Amhara region, with a case fatality rate of 17%. The most affected age group was 16 to 25 years, and females accounted for 60% of the cases. Geographic distribution showed that Bahir Dar had the highest incidence, contributing to 64.7% of the cases, while the South Gondar zone, particularly the Fogera district, accounted for 30.88%. Organophosphates emerged as the most prevalent toxic agents, responsible for 53% of the cases. Chi-square analysis highlighted several significant associations with a higher burden of chemical poisoning, including being female (X² = 4.463, p = 0.035), being 35 years or younger (X² = 4.629, p = 0.031), ingestion of rodent poison (X² = 4.154, p = 0.042), intentional poisoning (X² = 7.488, p = 0.006), and inhalation exposure (X² = 4.154, p = 0.042) and educational level (X² = 5.764, p = 0.016).The study reveals a significant burden of chemical poisoning in the Amhara Region, Ethiopia, with a 17% fatality rate, predominantly impacting young adults and females, particularly in areas with high pesticide use, such as Bahir Dar and South Gondar. Key issues include cases with no antidotes, inhalation exposure, and intentional poisoning.Implement stricter chemical regulations, limit pesticide sales, enhance community education on safe handling, and improve mental health support for high-risk groups. Develop sustained CBRN surveillance systems and conduct further research on regional disparities and chemical agent assessments.

Authors & Co-authors:  Yenew Chalachew C Shewaye Melaku M Yeshiwas Almaw Genet AG Gebeyehu Asaye Alamneh AA

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations :  Kumar R, Singh RP, Sharma S. Overview of chemical poisoning: causes, effects, and treatment. Toxicol Rep. 2023;10:118–26.
Authors :  4
Identifiers
Doi : 10.1186/s12889-024-20190-9
SSN : 1471-2458
Study Population
Female,Females
Mesh Terms
Ethiopia
Other Terms
Amhara Region;Chemical Poisoning;Chi-Square Analysis;Organophosphates;Public Health interventions
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study,Case Study,Descriptive Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
Ethiopia
Publication Country
England