Home first aid applied by the mother for the treatment of food poisoning for children

doi:10.4236/ojn.2013.37067

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Open Journal of Nursing, 2013, 3, 493-498 OJN

http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/ojn.2013.37067 Published Online November 2013 (http://www.scirp.org/journal/ojn/)

Home first aid applied by the mother for the treatment of

food poisoning for children

Ali D. Abbas

Fundamentals of Nursing Department, College of Nursing, University of Baghdad, Baghdad, Iraq

Email: [email protected], [email protected]

Received 29 July 213; revised 21 September 2013; accepted 15 October 2013

permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

ABSTRACT

Object ive(s): The ob jectiv es of th is stu dy are to ass ess

first aid home for the treatment of food poisoning

among children by mother and to find out the rela-

tionship between first aid home for the treatment of

food poisoning and the demographic characteristics

including age of mother, level education of mother,

mother’s occupation, and family’s income. Methodol-

ogy: A descriptive analytical study was conducted on

mother who applied home first aid for the treatment

of food poisoning in her children. The study was con-

ducted at the emergency unit in Children Welfare

Teaching Hospital and Child’s Central Teaching Hos-

pital. Starting from 2nd Dec. 2012 up to the 15th Apr.

2013. To achieve the objectives of the study, a non-pro-

bability (purposive) sample of (60) mother reviewed

the emergency unit for the treatment of food poisoning

in her child suffering from food poisoning and accord-

ing to special criteria. Data were collected by interview

with mother of the child suffering from food poison-

ing. Instrument validity was determined through

content validity, by a panel of experts. Reliability of

the instrument was determined through the use of

Pearson correlation coefficient for the test-retest ap-

proach, which was 0.85. Analysis of data was performed

through the application of descriptive statistics (fre-

quency, percentage, and mean of score) and inferen-

tial statistics (correlation coefficient and one-way

analysis of variance). Results: The results of the study

indicated the level mean of scores related to first aid

procedures relating to situations that food poisoning

when the poisoning occurs and applied by mother was

moderate level on half items and high level on half

other from items. Conclusion: The study concluded

most of mothers don’t have prior knowledge of the

procedures used for ambulance cases of food poison-

ing in children. Recommendations: The study rec-

ommend the need to set up educational sessions for

families especially the mother about how to first aid

food poisoning in children and guide booklets or in-

formation sheet should be printed and distributed to

mothers and families about food poisoning and first

aid it, and these booklets or information sheet should

be written in a simpl e s t y le an d handed o ut f reely.

Keywords: Food Poisoning; Microbial Agents; Cross

Contamination; World Health Organization

1. INTRODUCTION

Food poisoning includes ill effects caused by the inges-

tion of contaminated food by many ways apart from mi-

crobial agents. They may be

1) Through the addition of proteins,

2) Through eating of inherent poisonous substance

such as certain mushrooms, fish and molluscs by mistake,

3) Adulteration of food with poisonous substance such

as Argemone mexicana in mustard producing epidemic

dropsy.

The term “food poisoning” is however restricted only

to acute gastroenteritis due to bacterial pollution of food

or drink. The term “food-borne” disease is defined as “A

disease, usually either infectious or toxic in nature,

caused by agents that enter the body through the inges-

tion of food” [1].

Food poisoning is a serious health problem. It can

cause severe illness and even death. Food poisoning is

frequently caused by bacteria from food that has been

poorly handled, stored or cooked.

Each year thousands of people suffer from food

poisoning. Eating or drinking contaminated food causes

food poisoning. The food may be contaminated with

bacteria, viruses or toxins. The most commonly reported

types of food poisoning in this country are caused by

Campylobacter and Salmonella bacteria [2].

Anyone can get food poisoning, but babies and tod-

OPEN ACCESS

A. D. Abbas / Open Journal of Nursing 3 (2013) 1-6

494

dlers are at especially high risk and once they become

infected, young children can have a hard time getting

well. Serious complications may develop, resulting in

hospitalizations, lifelong health problems, and even

death.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that

each year two billion illnesses are caused by unsafe food;

globally this number is growing.

In Asia, 700,000 people die each year as a result of

food poisoning illnesses. Each year in the developing

world, diarrhea illness from contaminated food and water

causes 2 million deaths in young children. Most of these

problems could be prevented with better science, preven-

tion tools and by practicing good food hygiene [3].

Children tend to eat junk food in school, due to the

appealing and mouth-watering aroma, and these foods

that are showcased in the attractive way tend to entice

school children. The coming-up of supermarkets and

departmental stores has led to an increase in the quality

of food supply, but people are still careless in the way

they consume food. As a result, food poisoning occurs.

Children suffer most on account of their weak immune

system and unhealthy food habits.

Children should be warned against consuming foods,

such as mushroom and seafood, which may cause food

poisoning. Precaution should always be taken while pre-

paring food. Food should be well-cleaned and well-cook-

ed. Food poisoning can only be prevented by inculcating

the right food habits in children [4].

2. METHODOLOGY

2.1. Objective of the Study

The study objectives are to assess first-aid home for the

treatment of food poisoning among Children by mother

and to find out the relationship between first-aid home

for the treatment of food poisoning and the demographic

characteristics include ( age of mother, level education of

mother, mother’s occupation, and family’s income).

2.2. Design of the Study

A descriptive analytical study was conducted on mother

who applied home first aid for the treatment of food

poisoning in her children.

2.3. Setting of the Study

The study was conducted in emergency unit at two

Teaching Hospitals in Baghdad city (Children Welfare

Teaching Hospital and Child’s Central Teaching Hospital)

that reviewed by family of child suffering from food

poisoning, especially the mother of child.

2.4. Sample of the Study

A non-probability (purposive) sample of (60) mother

reviewed the emergency unit for the treatment of food

poisoning in her child suffering from food poisoning

according to the following criteria:

1) Children diagnosis with food poisoning and bring to

emergency unit by mother.

2) Children with different age.

2.5. Instrument Construction

After extensive review of relevant literature, studies, the

researcher constructed the questionnaire and was used as

mean of data collection. It was comprised of three major

parts.

2.5.1. Part I : Demographi c Characteristi cs

The first part concerned with determination of the demo-

graphic characteristics through designated sheet which

include seven items (mother’s age, educational level of

the parents, age of the child during the injury with food

poisoning, gender of the child, working status of the

mother, monthly a family income, ownership housing).

2.5.2. Part II : Information a b out the Statu s of F o od

Poisoning

This part is concerned with the Information related to

status of food poisoning that consist from (8) items.

2.5.3. Part III: First-Aid Procedures Relating to

Situations Food Poisoning when the Poisoning

Occurs

This part is concerned with the first-aid procedures re-

lating to situations food poisoning when the poisoning

occurs that consist from (14) items. The items were or-

dinal according to the two level scale which were scored

as (No = 1, and Yes = 2) for each level respectively so

the cutoff point was (2).

2.6. Validity of the Instrument

Content validity was determined through the use of panel

of experts.

2.7. Reliability of the Instrument

Pilot study was carried out between the 2nd to 31st of

Dec. 2012. On (5) mothers who reviewed the emergency

unit for the treatment of food poisoning in her child who

suffering from food poisoning by the researcher who

used test-retest; “twice within two weeks” person corre-

lation coefficient was computed for each determination.

The results indicated that the correlation coefficient was r

= 0.85 at the level (P ≤ 0.01) which was statistically ac-

ceptable [5].

2.8. Data Collection

The data were collected by interview with mother of the

A. D. Abbas / Open Journal of Nursing 3 (2013) 1-6 495

child who suffering from food poisoning for the period

from 13th Jan. to 4th Apr. 2013.

2.9. Statistical Data Analysis

Appropriate statistical approach is used that includes

descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean of

score) and (correlation coefficient and one-way analysis

of variance).

3. RESULTS

This table (Tabl e 1) reveals that the majority (46.7%) of

Age of the mother were (27 - 36) years old. (31.7%) were

graduated from intermediate School. The majority (51.7%)

of age of the child during the injury with food poisoning

were (2 - 4) years old. (53.3%) were female. Concerning

working status of the mother (65%) wasn’t working. In

relation to monthly a family income (53.3%) was ade-

quate. (41.7%) of ownership housing was property.

This table (Table 2) indicates that the majority (65%)

of mother have knowledge about signs and symptoms of

food poisoning. While (53.3%) of family members don’t

have prior knowledge of the procedures used for ambu-

lance cases of food poisoning in children. (70%) of mo-

ther say the procedure followed in the ambulance food

poisoning was appropriate. (51.7%) of the procedure

followed in the ambulance food poisoning was directly

in the house. (80%) of child with food poisoning suf-

fering don’t have another disease.

The findings of this table (Table 3) indicated that the

majority (45%) of food poisoning was from eating pack-

aged food.

The finding of this table (Table 4) show that the

majority (36.7%) of food poisoning was contains Plant

and animal toxins.

The finding of this table (Table 5) revealed that the

majority (35%) of child during the injury with food poi-

soning the level of conscious was confounded.

The findings of this table (Ta b le 6 ) indicated that the

level of mean of score was moderate on item (1, 2, 8, 9,

11, 12, and 14), while items (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, and 13)

was high.

The findings in this table (Tabl e 7) indicate that there

are no significant difference between (age of mother,

level education of mother, mother’s occupation, and fam-

ily’s income) and First-aid procedures relating to situa-

tions food poisoning when the poisoning occurs by

mother for her child at (P ≤ 0.05).

4. DISCUSSION

Through the data analysis distribution of demographic

variables Table 2 reports that most of the mother’s

children are (27 - 36) years old and this account for 28

(46.7%) of the sample.

Table 1. Distribution of sample by their demographic charac-

teristics.

No. Variables

1. Age of the mother (years) F %

1.1. 17 - 26 15 25

1.2. 27 - 36 28 46.7

1.3. 37 - 46 16 26.7

1.4. 47 and more 1 1.7

Total 60 100

2. Educational level of the mother F %

2.1. Illiterate 1 1.7

2.2. Able to read and write 1 1.7

2.3. Primary School graduate 10 16.7

2.4. Intermediate School graduate 19 31.7

2.5. High School graduate 14 23.3

2.6. Institute and College graduate 15 25

Total 60 100

3. Age of the child during the injury

with food poisoning (years) F %

3.1. 2 - 4 31 51.7

3.2. 5 - 7 21 35

3.3. 8 - 10 8 13.3

Total 60 100

4. Gender of the child F %

4.1. Male 28 46.7

4.2. Female 32 53.3

Total 60 100

5. Working status of the mother F %

5.1. Working 21 35

5.2. Not working 39 65

Total 60 100

6. Monthly a family income F %

6.1. Adequate 32 53.3

6.2. Not adequate 28 46.7

Total 60 100

7. Ownership housing F %

7.1. Rent 18 30

7.2. Property 25 41.7

7.3. Land for 6 10

7.4. Exceed 11 18.3

Total 60 100

F = frequency, % = percentage.

This result is similar to the results obtained from

studies done by Logan, (2012). These results indicate

that the majority of mother’s children ages are early

adulthood [6].

A. D. Abbas / Open Journal of Nursing 3 (2013) 1-6

496

OPEN ACCESS

Table 2. Information about the status of food poisoning.

Yes No Total

No. Items

F % F % F%

1. Do you have knowledge of signs and symptoms of food poisoning? 39 65 213560100

2. Does the family members prior knowledge of the procedures used for ambulance cases of food poisoning in children? 28 46.7 3253.3 60100

3. Is the procedure followed in the ambulance food poisoning was appropriate? 42 70 183060100

4. Is the procedure followed in the ambulance food poisoning was directly in the house? 31 51.7 2948.360100

5. You had a child with food poisoning suffering from another disease? 12 20 488060100

F = frequency, % = percentage.

Table 3. Source of food poisoning in children.

No. Source F %

1 Eating food prepared in the home 12 20

2 Eating food prepared outside the home 21 35

3 Eating packaged food 27 45

Total 60 100

F = frequency, % = percentage.

Table 4. Contains of food poisoning.

No. Source F %

1. Chemicals 19 31.7

2. Plant and animal toxins 22 36.7

3. Proliferation of micro-organisms 19 31.7

Total 60 100

F = frequency, % = percentage.

Regarding educational level of the mother the majority

of sample which account 19 (31.7%) were graduated

from intermediate School. This finding is similar to the

results obtained from study done by Smith, (1998) [7].

Concerning the age of the child during the injury with

food poisoning 31 (51.7%) were (2 - 4) years old. These

findings are supported by Jacobs, (2001) [8].

With regard to gender of the child 32 (53.3%) were

female. This finding is similar to the results obtained

from study done by Scallan, et al., (2012) [9].

Concerning working status of the mother 39 (65%)

wasn’t working. In relation to monthly a family income

32 (53.3%) was adequate. 25 (41.7%) of ownership

housing was property.

These results disagree with study done by Anderson,

(2004) that indicate working status of the mother (80%)

was working. monthly a family income (65.3%) was not

adequate. (55%) of ownership housing was property [3].

Table 3 indicates that the majority (65%) of mother

have knowledge about signs and symptoms of food

poisoning. While (53.3%) of family members don’t have

prior knowledge of the procedures used for ambulance

cases of food poisoning in children.

Table 5. Level of conscious of the child during the injury with

food poisoning.

No.Source F %

1. Conscious 1728.3

2. Confounded 2135

3. Delirium 3 5

4. Sleepy 1016.7

5. Stupor 3 5

6. Unconscious 6 10

Total 60100

F = frequency, % = percentage.

These results disagree with study done by Malek, et al.,

(2005) that indicated (80%) of mother has knowledge

about signs and symptoms of food poisoning, and (82%)

of family members have prior knowledge of the proce-

dures used for ambulance cases of food poisoning in

children [10].

(70%) of mother say the procedure followed in the

ambulance food poisoning was appropriate. (51.7%) of

the procedure followed in the ambulance food poisoning

was directly in the house. (80%) of child suffering from

food poisoning don’t have another disease.

This result is supported by Gianella, (2006); they in-

dicate that the majority of mother says the procedure

followed in the ambulance food poisoning was appropri-

ate and the procedure followed in the ambulance food poi-

soning was directly in the house. However (40%) of child

suffering from food poisoning have another disease [11].

Table 4 indicated that the majority 27 (45%) of food

poisoning was from eating packaged food. The result of

present study agrees with study done by Doheny, (2013)

that indicated the majority of food poisoning was from

eating [12].

Table 5 show that the majority 22 (36.7%) of food

poisoning was contains Plant and animal toxins. The re-

sult of present study disagrees with study done by Ne-

well, et al., (2010) that indicated the majority of food

poisoning was contains chemicals toxins [4].

A. D. Abbas / Open Journal of Nursing 3 (2013) 1-6 497

Table 6. The mean of scores and level mean of scores related to First-aid procedures relating to situations food poisoning when the

poisoning occurs and applied by mother.

No. Items Yes No

F % F % MS Level

1 Are summits to make sure of the symptoms and signs of

food poisoning by ambulance injured child? 40 66.6620 33.33 1.66M

2 Are summits calling allocated for emergency evacuated to the hospital? 23 38.3337 61.66 1.38M

3 Are summits to maintain airway and breathing for a child who suffers? 52 86.668 13.33 1.86H

4 Are summits to provide sufficient comfort for the injured child? 59 98.331 1.66 1.98H

5 Are summits Give adequate amounts of fluid for a child who suffers? 54 90 6 10 1.9 H

6 Are summits to prevent solid foods for a child with? 46 76.6614 23.33 1.76H

7 Are summits to prevent fried foods, fatty and sugary injured child? 51 85 9 15 1.85H

8 Are summits to prevent drinks containing caffeine for a child with? 43 71.6617 28.33 1.71M

9 Are summits using tea with lemon and ginger to relieve the

symptoms of food poisoning for a child who suffers? 31 51.6629 48.33 1.51M

10 After controlling nausea and vomiting Give Food Summits

fat-free light for a child who suffers? 50 83.3310 16.66 1.83H

11 Are summits giving the anti-diarrhea medicine for a child who suffers? 35 58.3325 41.66 1.58M

12 Are summits given the drugs for nausea and vomiting for a child who suffers? 36 60 24 40 1.6 M

13 Are summits Give antipyretic drugs for a child who suffers? 47 78.3313 21.66 1.78H

14 Are summits Give rehydration solution (perfusion oral) when

continued vomiting and diarrhea for more than 24 hours? 40 66.6620 33.33 1.66M

F = frequency, % = percentage, MS = Mean of Score, M = Moderate, H = High.

Table 7. Analysis of variance for the difference between demographic characteristics and First-aid procedures relating to situations

food poisoning when the poisoning occurs by mother for her child.

Demographic characteristics Source of variance Sum of Squares df Mean Square F Sig.

Between Groups 3.932 8 0.491

Within Groups 30.918 51 0.606

.811 0.596

Age of mother

Total 34.850 59

Between Groups 10.087 8 1.261

Within Groups 72.896 51 1.429

.882 0.538

Level education of mother

Total 82.983 59

Between Groups 1.611 8 0.201

Within Groups 12.039 51 0.236

.853

Mother’s occupation

Total 13.650 59

0.561

Between Groups 1.341 8 0.168

Within Groups 13.593 51 0.267

.629

Family’s income

Total 14.933 59

0.750

df = Degree of freedom, F = F-statistics, Sig. = level of Significance.

Table 6 revealed that the majority 21 (35%) of child

during the injury with food poisoning the level of con-

scious was confounded. This result agrees with results

done by Sodha, et al. (2010) which indicated the ma-

jority of child during the injury with food poisoning the

level of conscious was confounded [13].

The study shows the level of mean of score was mo-

derate on item (Are summits to make sure of the sym-

ptoms and signs of food poisoning by ambulance injured

child? Are summits calling allocated for emergency

evacuated to the hospital? Are summits to prevent drinks

containing caffeine for a child with? Are summits using

A. D. Abbas / Open Journal of Nursing 3 (2013) 1-6

498

tea with lemon and ginger to relieve the symptoms of

food poisoning for a child who suffers? Are summits giv-

ing the anti-diarrhea medicine for a child who suffers?

Are summits given the drugs for nausea and vomiting for

a child who suffers? And are summits Give rehydration

solution (perfusion oral) when continued vomiting and

diarrhea for more than 24 hours?).

While items (Are summits to maintain airway and

breathing for a child who suffers? Are summits to pro-

vide sufficient comfort for the injured child? Are sum-

mits Give adequate amounts of fluid for a child who suf-

fers? Are summits to prevent solid foods for a child with?

Are summits to prevent fried foods, fatty and sugary in-

jured child? After controlling nausea and vomiting Give

Food Summits fat-free light for a child who suffers? And

are summits Give antipyretic drugs for a child who suf-

fers?) was high in Table 6.

This result agrees with results obtained from study

done by Longphre, et al. (2007) which indicated that

most of items related to First-aid procedures relating to

situations food poisoning when the poisoning occurs was

moderate level mean of scores [14].

Analysis of the result of the study shows that there are

no significant difference between (age of mother, level

education of mother, mother’s occupation, and family’s

income) and First-aid procedures relating to situations

food poisoning when the poisoning occurs by mother for

her child at (P ≤ 0.05) in Table 7.

This result disagrees with study done by Craig, and

Zich, (2009), which showed that there is significant

relationship between level education of mother and First

aid procedures relating to situations food poisoning when

the poisoning occurs by mother for her child [15].

5. CONCLUSION

The study concluded most of mothers don’t have prior

knowledge of the procedures used for ambulance cases

of food poisoning in children.

6. RECOMMENDATIONS

1) Health education with focusing on the effect of food

poisoning and how to first aid it through TV programs,

radio, newspaper, and medical magazines, etc. should be

increased

2) Educational sessions for families especially the

mother about how to first aid food poisoning in children

should be setting up.

3) Guide booklets or information sheet should be printed

and distributed to mothers and families about food poison-

ing and first aid it, and these booklets or information sheet

should be written in a simple style and handed out freely.

7. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Before all, greatest thanks to “God” the Glorious, the Merciful, and the

Compassionate. I wish to express my deepest and grateful thanks and

gratitude to Dr. Rabia M. Ali the dean of the College of Nursing Uni-

versity of Baghdad for his kindness and support.

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