Accidental Childhood Poisoning in Enugu, South‑East, Nigeria

Background: Accidental childhood poisoning is one of the recognized causes of morbidity and mortality in children under the age of 5 years worldwide. The prevalence and type of substance ingested vary from place to place and over time. Aim: This study was conducted with the aim of ascertaining the frequency and pattern of accidental childhood poisoning in Enugu. Subjects and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at the Emergency Paediatric Unit of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, South‑East, Nigeria from January 2003 to December 2012 (10 years). All the cases of childhood accidental poisoning that presented within the period were reviewed and important information extracted. Results: Sixty‑five cases of childhood poisoning were recorded during the 10‑year period, giving an incidence rate of 442 per 100,000 children. The mean age was 22.15 ± 11.7 months. Male:female ratio was 1.5:1. The prevalence was higher among those with low socioeconomic background. Kerosene poisoning was the most common agent. The overall mortality rate was 3.1% (2/65). Conclusion: Accidental childhood poisoning is common in Enugu, with appreciable mortality, with kerosene being the most common agent. We advocate regulatory policy on proper ways of storing kerosene and other harmful household chemicals and medications.Keywords: Accidental poisoning, Childhood, Kerosen

Prevalence of Home Based Blood Pressure Measurement and Its Relationship with Hypertension Control among Patients Seen at a Family Practice Clinic in Nigeria

Background: Hypertension remains a major non-communicable disease with numerous complications when poorly managed. Presently, there is a growing emphasis on home blood pressure measurement (HBPM) particularly in the developed world. There is a dearth of local literature on the relevance of HBPM in hypertension management and it is not routinely prescribed for hypertensive patients in our practice population. This study was conducted to determine HBPM prevalence and its association with hypertension control.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 209 respondents at the general outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. Demographic characteristics and blood pressure readings were obtained. HBPM was assessed using an intervieweradministered structured questionnaire.Results: The prevalence of HBPM among the 209 respondents was 51(24.4%); 42(82.35%) of respondents who did HBPM achieved optimal BP control as opposed to 81(51.27%) of no HBPM respondents. In addition, HBPM was significantly associated with optimal BP control (p = 0.016) and was an independent predictor of optimal BP control as an outcome.Conclusion: The prevalence of HBPM is low in our practice setting. HMBP is significantly associated with optimal hypertension control. Hence, it should be a routine recommendation for hypertensive patients Key words: Home based blood pressure monitoring, Hypertension, Control, Prevalence, Relationshi