Mortality of acute poisoning and its predictors in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Animut Takele Telayneh; Samuel Derbie Habtegiorgis; Molla Yigzaw Birhanu; Bickes Wube Sume; Temesgen Ayenew; Getnet Gedif; Bekalu Endalew; Dejenu Tsegaye; Getasew Yirdaw; Kalkidan Worku Mitiku; Frehiwot Molla; Nurilign Abebe Moges; Getachew Mullu Kassa

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29741

Mortality of acute poisoning and its predictors in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Heliyon. 2024 Apr 16;10(8):e29741. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29741. eCollection 2024 Apr 30.

Affiliations

¹ Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia.
² Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia.
³ Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia.
⁴ Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia.
⁵ Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Abstract

Introduction: Poison is defined as any chemical that has the potential to affect or harm human physiology due to its chemical activity. Poisoning is becoming a major preventable public health issue in many countries, including Ethiopia. There is a variation in acute poisoning mortality among the existing evidence in Ethiopia. This study aims to determine the pooled mortality rate from acute poisoning and its predictors in Ethiopia.

Methods: We searched available evidence of acute poisoning mortality in databases such as PubMed, Hinari, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, and other search engines. Using the Microsoft Excel data extraction form, three authors independently extracted all relevant data. The Higgins I² test statistics were used to examine heterogeneity among included studies A random-effects model was used to analyze the pooled estimates and predictors in Stata MP version 17.

Results: We retrieved 2685 relevant records from different database sources, and after screening, 21 studies (17 published and 4 unpublished) were included. The pooled mortality rate for acute poisoning was 4.69(95 % CI: 3.69, 5.69 I² = 94.7 %). The most common poisoning agents are organophosphate (29.9 %), household cleansing agents (17.5 %), and pharmaceuticals/medications (9.3 %). The majority of poisoning cases were intentional poisoning committed suicide. Poisoning cases in rural areas [RR: 3.98(95 % CI: 1.41, 11.25)] and delayed arrival times [RR: 2.90(95 % CI: 1.45, 5.84)] were identified predictors of mortality.

Conclusions: In this study, the pooled mortality from acute poisoning was 4.69 %. Poisoned cases from rural areas and delayed arrival times to the hospital were predictors of mortality. To prevent mortality, healthcare professionals should give special attention to rural residents and delayed arrival of poison cases. To control this avoidable death, poison control centers should be strengthened, and other preventive measures implemented at the national level.

Keywords: Acute poisoning; Ethiopia; Mortality; Predictors.