Epidemiology of Paediatric Snakebites in Northeastern Nigeria: A Retrospective Single-Center Study

Background Nigeria remains one of the highest burden bearers of snakebite envenoming in sub-Saharan Africa. In Northeastern Nigeria, where agricultural practice, livestock herding and outdoor play - especially during the dark hours - are common, children are frequently exposed to snakes. Due to the unique challenges posed by paediatric snakebite envenoming and the paucity of data on paediatric snakebites, there is need for local research on this subject. Our study aims to bridge this knowledge gap by examining the characteristics and outcomes of paediatric snakebite in our setting. Methods This was a retrospective study conducted at the Snakebite Treatment and Research Hospital (SBTRH) in Kaltungo, Northeastern Nigeria. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Gombe State Hospital Services Management Board. Medical records of 384 patients aged 0 to 17 years treated at this facility between 1 January to 30 June 2024 were retrieved. Socio-demographic information and key clinical data were extracted using a digital proforma. The association between patient characteristics and likelihood of recovery without complications like amputation, debridement or death, was assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Associations were considered significant if the corresponding p-values were less than 0.05. Results There were 262 male patients (68%) and 29 patients under five years of age (7.6%). Snakebites in children were most common in April (n = 102, 27%). Over half of the participants (n = 230, 60%) took four hours or more to present to hospital after being bitten. Male patients were less likely than female patients to recover without complications (unadjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.07–0.91). Further, patients that took four hours or more to arrive at hospital after being bitten were less likely to recover without complications than those who took less than four hours to arrive (unadjusted OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.22–1.02). Conclusions This study revealed key epidemiological characteristics and outcomes of paediatric snakebite patients in Northeastern Nigeria. It further showed the increased risk of complications among male patients and those presenting to hospital more than four hours after being bitten. We hereby recommend increased awareness and health education on early presentation after snakebites.