The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #57392

Mary E. Roddy, PhD¹, Kathleen M O'Rourke, PhD, MPH², and Kristina D. Mena, MSPH, PhD¹. (1) School of Public Health, UT Houston SPH, 1101 Stanton, Suite 110, El Paso, TX 79902, (2) Biometry and Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, 135 Cannon St., Suite 302K, POBox 250835, Charleston, SC 29425, 843-876-1118, orourkek@musc.edu

Acute unintentional poisoning represents a substantial proportion of childhood injury mortality in both Texas and New Mexico. Hispanic children, especially those with Mexico-born mothers, are at high risk for poisonings, but the magnitude of problem along the U.S. Mexico border is unknown. This cross-sectional community-based survey study estimated the risk of exposure to toxins among children less than 6 years living in low income census tracts in El Paso and Dona Ana counties. Promotoras conducted personal interviews with 700 caregivers on the use and storage of 24 household products and caregiver knowledge about childhood poisoning. Over 98% of the respondents were Hispanic, 60.3% were born in Mexico, 56.8% had not completed high school, and 60% were primary Spanish speakers. Storage of highly toxic substances was common among study households: 37.9% contained bleach or draino, 78.3% pain medication, 13.2% other medications like sleeping pills or vitamins with iron, and nearly 38% stored pesticides. Nearly 90% of the participants admitted to storing at least one of these toxic substance within reach or sight of young children living in the household, while only 50% of the caregivers thought their child is at risk for poisoning. Fewer than 50% of the respondents had ever heard of the Poison Control Center and fewer than 8% had ever heard of ipecac. Information from this study can used in the development of a poison prevention programs that address the unique cultural, linguistic and social circumstances of the minority population in the Paso del Norte area.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of this session, the learner will be able to:
• Identify the factors associated with increased risk of acute childhood poisoning among children living on the US/Mexico border.
• Understand the methodology of quantifying household risk for childhood poisoning.

Keywords: Children, Injury Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.