title: Differentials in poisoning rates of young Australian children according to residential location and geographical remoteness.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess differentials in the poisoning rates of children aged 0-4 years according to residential location and geographical remoteness.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross sectional study based on hospitalizations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Australia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Children aged 0-4 years admitted to hospital due to poisoning during the financial year 1996-97.
  
  
  METHODS
  Crude rates of hospitalization.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The rate of hospitalization due to poisoning peaked in the third year and second year of life for medicinal and non-medicinal substances respectively. Rates were significantly higher among children aged 0-4 years residing in rural and remote areas when compared with those residing in metropolitan areas, and rate differentials increased with geographical remoteness.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The observed differentials suggest the need for targeted research and prevention efforts aimed at rural and remote area communities. A detailed empirical study is recommended, involving the assessment of risk factors and an in-home hazard checklist, as a precursor to any intervention program.
authors.affiliation: peteroconnor@netspace.net.au
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: O'Connor
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011041:Poisoning / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012423:Rural Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014504:Urban Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data