Assessment of Factors Influencing Ease of Access on Intentional Organophosphates Self-poisoning among Persons Aged 15-30 Years in Kericho County, Kenya

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess factors influencing ease of access on intentional organophosphate self-poisoning among persons aged 15-30 years in Kericho County, Kenya.

Study Design: The study adopted prospective cross-sectional study design and purposive sampling technique.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in 3 level 4 health facilities (Kericho County Referral Hospital, Kapkatet Sub-County Hospital, Londiani Sub- County Hospital and Sigowet Sub- County Hospital) in Kericho County, Kenya; which were systematically sampled base on the highest monthly workload one year prior to the study period. Study was conducted between December 2021 and March 2022.

Methodology: 100 participants of age between 15 year and 30 years old were included in the study (88 males and 12 females). It was a study of all cases of intentional organophosphate self- poisoning, relied majorly on the diagnosis made by clinicians and doctors at emergency departments. Participants were sampled based on the presenting symptoms and history from the respondents. All respondents brought to hospital presenting to emergency department with a history of intentional organophosphate self-poisoning were recruited for the study depending on their eligibility where only respondents who were admitted and recovered after treatment were enrolled after signing or assenting to the consent voluntarily.

Results: A sampled of 100 participants were eligible and managed to have 100% response rate. The study found out that there was a statistical relationship between the parameters since the chi square value were 0.001 which was less than the standard p value which is 0.05 at 95% confidence interval. Bivariate analysis showed a strong positive correlation was found between self-poisoning and easy access to organophosphate (p<0.05, r=0.631). With regard to easy access to organophosphate, the majority indicated yes with 71(71%) responses while those who indicated no were 29 (29%) respondents out of 100 respondents.

Conclusion: It was concluded that ease of access of organophosphate poisons predisposed the high-risk group to find easiest way of committing suicide when they encountered challenges in their daily lives, therefore, laxity on sales, storage and distribution of pesticides give those at risk a chance to fulfill their suicidal ideation.