AN EPIDEMIOLOGIC-STUDY OF THE FACTORS INFLUENCING POISONING IN CHILDREN AGED 0-5 YEARS

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.