Population based characteristics of fatalities and hospital admissions for acute poisoning in Fiji. (7th October 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peiris-John, R; Wainiqolo, I; Kafoa, B; McCaig, E; Ameratunga, S
• Is Part Of: Injury prevention. Volume 18(2012)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A87
• Page End: A88
• Publication Date: 2012-10-07
• Subjects: Children's accidents -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Accidents -- Prevention -- Periodicals; 617.1
• DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2012-040590a.10
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8047

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Globally, the burden of acute poisoning is disproportionately borne by low- and middle-income countries. Culturally mediated factors have been suggested to account for the variations in the epidemiology of poisoning within countries. Aim: To investigate the incidence and demographic characteristics of poisoning fatalities and hospital admissions among indigenous Fijians and Indians in Viti Levu, Fiji. Methods: Individuals with a mechanism of injury classified as poisoning were identified using the Fiji Injury Surveillance in Hospitals system, a population-based trauma registry established for 12-months in Viti Levu. Relevant data were extracted and analysed. Results: The 17 fatalities and 169 primary hospital admissions accounted for mean annual rates of 2.3 and 26.0/100 000 respectively. Overall, more than two-thirds of the poisonings occurred among people of Indian ethnicity. The annual rate of hospital admissions among Indians was 3.1 times that of Fijians (41.2 cf 13.3/100 000). Unintentional poisoning admission rates were highest among Indian males aged 0–14 years (36.1/100 000). Most intentional poisoning admissions occurred among females (n=50, 59.5%) and in 15–29 year olds (n=65, 79.3%). The annual hospital admission rate in this age group was 9.8/100 000, with a seven-fold excess rate among Indians compared with Fijians. Over 75% of poisoning events occurred at home. Significance: This population-based study identifies important differences in the socio-demographic characteristics associated with poisoning in Fiji. These differences indicate the need for culturally relevant strategies that consider the specific contexts for suicide and self-harm among the Indian population in Fiji, as well as broader implications for hazards at home for the population in Fiji more generally.