[Prevention of accidental poisonings in the household with children under 6 years of age].

BACKGROUND

Children under six years of age are most frequently involved in poisoning accidents at home. They are caused by medications, household cleaners and plants. Socio-economic factors have an influence on the risk of poisoning. Passive and active measures are useful for the prevention of poisoning.

OBJECTIVE

This study shows the precautionary measures and their effectiveness in relation to the risks and the factors of poisoning accidents.

METHODS

A literature review searched in relevant databases for studies that relate to the risk of poisoning on children under six years and that represent the effectiveness of prevention measures.

RESULTS

Solely education of the parents is not enough, therefore it is combined with prevention programs, followed by home visits or with child resistant containers. The combination with home visits is effective because the parents get encouraged to make their household safe for children. The education has to be directly with the parents, because the measures can be customized. Short education programs with specific objectives, in written form, are more effective than longer ones. They contain informations about the correct storage and use of child resistant containers, and the behavior in case of emergency. This safety measures must be already implemented at the birth of the child. It's not clear if public education through mass media is effective. Nurses have to educate parents and to advise them to all dangers in the household.

CONCLUSION

The education programs must be carried out individually with the parents. In families with several children, the implementation of passive prevention strategies is more effective. The nurse plays an important role in relation to the poisoning prevention.