N. Paritsis et al., AN EPIDEMIOLOGIC-STUDY OF THE FACTORS INFLUENCING POISONING IN CHILDREN AGED 0-5 YEARS, Paediatric and perinatal epidemiology, 8(1), 1994, pp. 79-89
The aim of this cross disciplinary study was to identify the most sign
ificant variables related to childhood accidental poisoning. The study
was carried out on a representative sample of families living in the
Greater Athens Area comprising 1245 children aged up to 5 years. Data
were collected by a team of researchers (paediatricians, psychologists
and social workers) and involved a structured interview and a paediat
ric examination. The findings show that childhood poisoning is correla
ted with: (1) biological variables, such as skeletal anomalies, langua
ge disorders, number of recent infections and complications of pregnan
cy; and (2) social factors, such as father's educational level, monthl
y family income, and overcrowding. Sex of the child was not found to i
nfluence poisoning.