Intramuscular injection practices among infants.
Administration of unnecessary Intramuscular (i.m.) Injections to infants for trivial illness is a common problem. This descriptive study included 120 infants who received at least one i.m. injection for their current illness. Data were collected using semi structured questionnaire to their mothers. 91% of infants received unnecessary i.m. injections for minor problems like upper respiratory tract infection. I.m. injections were administered at the wrong site in 97% of the infants. Information regarding i.m. injections was inadequate in mothers. Intensive health education regarding safe injection practices for the public and health care providers is essential.
Gunasekaran
D
D
Department of Pediatrics, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Pondicherry 607 402, India.
Adhisivam
B
B
Arulkumaran
A
A
Shanthi
A K
AK
D005260:Female; D006300:Health Services Misuse; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D007223:Infant; D007239:Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008297:Male; D019300:Medical Errors