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
Received 29 July 213; revised 21 September 2013; accepted 15 October 2013
Copyright © 2013 Ali D. Abbas. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which
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-

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
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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