Poisoning constitutes a significant global public health problem especially in developing countries where fatal poisoning is common. This study assessed trends in chemical intoxication and venomous animal bites in the Buea Regional Hospital during the 2018–2022 quinquennium.

Data collected from the hospital logbooks on trends in chemical intoxications and venomous animal bites among patients referred to the Buea Regional Hospital from 01/01/2018 to 31/12/2022.

A total of 80 cases were recorded during this period: snake bites and bleach occupied the top positions. Gender did not influence the distribution of poisoning (P=0.4) but females were more involved (P=0.05) in suicide attempts with an odd ratio of 5. Accidental chemical intoxication (n=68) was higher (P<0.01) than intentional poisoning (n=12). Unmarried patients (55) were significantly (P<0.001) more exposed as compared to married people (n=25). On the basis of occupation, students (35%) and pupils (30%) were more exposed to intoxication. The most exposed groups were the paediatric [1–15 years old] and youth [16–45 years old] groups, with frequencies of 32 and 42, respectively. There was no significant difference in the monthly distribution of intoxication. However, during the year 2021 (n=26), the highest number of intoxication cases were recorded whereas, the year 2018 (n=4) had the lowest frequency.

This study offers sufficient data to justify the need for the training of healthcare professionals in poison management and establishment of poison management centres.