Epidemiological Characteristics of Pediatric Drug Poisoning in Wenzhou, China in 2017–2024

Abstract

To examine the evolving epidemiological characteristics of pediatric drug poisoning in Wenzhou, China from 2017 to 2024, focusing on temporal trends, age/sex-specific risks, and changes in poisoning intent and toxin types, and to generate evidence-based guidance for targeted prevention and treatment strategies at regional pediatric medical centers. Clinical data were retrospectively collected from 1,531 pediatric patients admitted to the emergency observation rooms of Wenzhou Medical University Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital between January 2017 and December 2024. Analyses included demographic characteristics, toxin types, exposure intent, temporal distribution, and clinical outcomes, with a focus on trends by age, sex, and toxin category. Of the 1,531 patients, 689 (45.0%) were male and 842 (55.0%) were female. Boys under 11 years had a higher poisoning rate, while girls aged ≥ 11 years showed a significant increase in intentional poisoning over time. Toddlers (1–3 years) accounted for the highest number of cases (826, 54.0%), followed by school-age/adolescent children aged 7–16 years (533, 34.8%). Accidental poisoning comprised 68.3% of cases, while intentional poisoning (31.7%) was significantly associated with adolescent females. Single-drug exposures constituted 84.0% of cases. Poisoning incidents peaked in spring (27.8%) and autumn (28.9%), primarily occurring in the afternoon (34.1%) and evening/overnight (40.9%). Most patients (89.9%) were discharged after recovery, while 10.1% required hospitalization. Infants (0–1 years) had an 8.5-fold higher hospitalization risk than school-age/adolescent children. Prescription drug poisoning carried a 5.4-fold higher hospitalization risk compared with pesticide/toxin poisoning, with psychiatric and cardiovascular drugs posing the greatest risks. These findings reveal a dual-peak age distribution pattern for pediatric drug poisoning in Wenzhou: accidental poisoning among young boys during early childhood (commonly involving cardiovascular drugs), and intentional poisoning among adolescent girls (commonly involving psychiatric drugs). These patterns were temporally associated with post-pandemic changes in social structures and rising mental health concerns among adolescents. Our findings support a dual prevention strategy for regional pediatric medical centers: strengthening home safety for young children and enhancing mental health interventions for adolescents. A comprehensive prevention system spanning prescription drug regulation, caregiver education, and mental health services is needed to address emerging public health challenges.