Epidemiology, Clinical Profile, and Outcome of Acute Domestic Poisoning in Children in Four Health Facilities in the North West Region of Cameroon

Abstract

Background: Acute intoxication is a series of pathophysiological changes or clinical manifestations over a short period (<24 hours) after exposure to toxic substances or toxic doses of drugs. Acute domestic poisoning is a preventable cause of morbidity and mortality among children, with a higher burden in low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to enhance the understanding of this public health problem and its complications, thereby promoting timely interventions, preventive strategies, and ultimately reducing mortality. Methods: A 5-year retrospective cohort study from 2019 to 2023 including 242 children aged 0-15 years hospitalized for acute domestic intoxication at Bamenda Regional Hospital, Nkwen District Hospital,Saint Mary Catholic Hospital and Saint Blaise Catholic Hospital. Results: Two hundred fifty-four cases of acute intoxication out of a total of 16 456 admissions were noted, giving a prevalence of 1.5% of admissions. Children were predominantly male (56.6%), with the 3-7 age group the most represented (33.1%). Toxic substances were mainly pesticides (19.0%), hydrocarbons (14.9%), and drugs (13.2%). Clinical manifestations were dominated by digestive (57.0%), neurological (34.3%), and respiratory (13.2%) symptoms. At home, the parents had given the child palm oil (46.3%) or charcoal (25.9%). A total of 9 deaths were recorded, representing a case-fatality rate of 4.2%, with a favorable clinical outcome in 95.8% of cases. Conclusion: Acute domestic poisoning remains frequent and a major pediatric emergency for children in the context. Parents are urged to keep toxic products out of their children’s reach and to seek appropriate medical attention in the event of intoxication. Cite this article as: Chiabi A, Djoudja KR, Kan K, et al. Epidemiology, clinical profile, and outcome of acute domestic poisoning in children in four health facilities in the north west region of Cameroon. Eurasian J Med. 2026, 58(2), 0885, doi: 10.5152/eurasianjmed.2026.25885.