Exploring barriers to utilization of poison centers: a qualitative study of mothers attending an urban Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Clinic.
OBJECTIVE
Prior research regarding poison center utilization identified risk factors for underutilization including race/ethnicity and acculturation. The purpose of this study was to understand factors contributing to underutilization of poison centers by low-income and minority mothers.


METHODS
Focus groups were conducted with women attending an urban Women, Infants and Children clinic. Transcripts were analyzed for themes and key points.


RESULTS
Twenty-two English-speaking mothers and 21 Spanish-speaking mothers participated in 7 groups. Participants viewed poisoning as a serious problem to which all children are susceptible. English-speaking mothers had heard of the poison center but were unaware of services provided. They preferred to use the 911 system, which was viewed as immediate medical assistance and was an easy number to remember. Women questioned the credentials of the poison center staff. Spanish-speaking mothers had limited knowledge of poison centers and were concerned about language barriers.


CONCLUSIONS
To increase utilization of poison centers, educational interventions must address these specific needs and misconceptions and should be produced in Spanish and English versions.
Kelly
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Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Family Practice and Community Medicine, University of Texas-Houston Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA. nkelly@bcm.tmc.edu
Groff
J Y
JY
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D001290:Attitude; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003144:Communication Barriers; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008875:Middle Aged; D008913:Minority Groups / Q000523:psychology; D011039:Poison Control Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011203:Poverty; D020377:Self Efficacy; D013781:Texas; D014504:Urban Health