Caregivers’ Knowledge and Perception of Accidental Childhood Poisoning in Selected Hospitals in South-South Nigeria

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Background: Accidental poisoning is a monumental challenge internationally and a major cause of morbidity and mortality among children in Nigeria. There is a paucity of data on the knowledge and perception of primary caregivers with regards to accidental childhood poisoning in the study locale. This study sets out to ascertain these so as to aid the development of suitable educational programmes. Objective: To assess the knowledge and perception of accidental childhood poisoning among caregivers of under-five children in Edo and Delta States of Nigeria. Methods: The study subjects included caregivers with children less than five years of age attending the Well-baby Clinics of four major hospitals in Edo State and Delta States, South-south Nigeria, between February and April 2016. A structured questionnaire served as an instrument to extract information on their biodata and their knowledge and perception of accidental childhood poisoning. Results: Of the 632 caregivers studied, 38.8%, 36.2% and 25.0% had low, moderate and high levels of knowledge of accidental childhood poisoning respectively. The primary caregivers had poor knowledge on first aid following ingestion of a poisonous agent as the majority (90.2%) of them responded that palm oil is a good antidote for most poisons. The higher the level of education of the caregiver, the more likely it is that she would possess the correct knowledge on childhood poisoning and its prevention. The level of perception of accidental childhood poisoning among the caregivers was positive in 447 (70.7%) and negative in 185 (29.3%). The caregivers had the negative perception to some specific statements on the scale; for instance indicating that it is safe to take one's medicines in the presence of the young child. Conclusion/Recommendation: Caregivers with a high level of knowledge were few. The need for public enlightenment programmes on poisoning prevention, on appropriate first aid should poisoning occur, as well as disabusing caregivers’ minds of certain negative perceptions of accidental childhood poisoning are again emphasized. The establishment of Poison Control Centres (PCCs) to aid in the achievement of this goal would be a step in the right direction.