The pattern of poisoning from traditional medicines in urban Zimbabwe.

A 10-year (1980-1989 inclusive) retrospective study was carried out at Zimbabwe's six main urban hospitals to evaluate the epidemiology of poisoning caused by traditional medicines. A total of 1456 cases were recorded, and this represented 23% (the biggest single group) of all poisoning cases. Sixty-seven per cent (982) of the patients were male and 33% (474) were female. The majority of patients (53%; 776) were under 5 years of age; 18% (264) were 21-30 years old; the 31-40-year age group accounted for 9.1% (132) of patients, and the 11-20-year age group for 6.7% (97). A mere 1.5% (22) of patients were over 60. Sixty-one per cent (892) of all cases were of poisoning associated with medication (treatment) and 8% (113) were accidental poisonings, while suicides and parasuicides accounted for 0.2% (3) and 2% (30) respectively. The mortality rate was 6% (2% of deaths were accidental and/or treatment-related). The main reasons for seeking treatment with traditional medicines were for depressed fontanelles and fever in children and diarrhoea and abdominal pain in adults. Treatment consisted mainly of supportive therapy and involved the induction of vomiting with ipecacuanha in children. This study indicates that the use of traditional medicines is common in Zimbabwe.