Family rection to child poisoning in the municipally of Maringá – Paraná state

Abstract

The present study was accomplished with the purpose of analyzing the experience undergone by relatives of children from Maringá (PR) who were poisoned by medicine, toxic substance of domestic use, and sanitary products, regarding help received from Health Services and the feelings experienced at the occasion. The study was carried out from October to December 1999, and it was based on records from a Center of Toxicological Assistance in the South of Brazil. It consisted of observing 13 families represented in its majority, by mothers and children from 0 to 6 years of age. The relatives were interviewed at home where the accidents occurred. It was concluded that women were the first to notice the accident and assist the child. As first aid, most of them administered water or milk to the child and or other associated conduct, followed by searching for help, according to their perception of the case severity. Regarding feelings experienced, they were manifested in different ways and in several intensity levels, as anguish, concern, despair and nervousness. It is believed that this work will contribute for a more effective performance of the health professionals when helping families whose children were poisoned, considering it is one of the few studies about poisoning directed to assist individuals involved in such kind of accident.