Citation

Arun M, Wagmh KR, Palimar V, Manoj KM. Med. Legal Update 2005; 5(1): 7-10.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, R.K. Sharma and Institute of Medico-Legal Publications)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The major chunk of poisoning fatalities in India is suicide followed by accident and homicide. Poisoning fatalities were the domain of young and middle aged population till the recent past. Of late, the elderly population is competing with their younger counterparts to find a place in poisoning fatalities! Thanks to the stresses and strains of life. The present study is a retrospective analysis of twelve-year data of poisoning fatalities in the elderly age group of 60 years and above, to deduce the profile of poisoning. The sex ratio was about six males for one female. Largest number of victims were found in the age group of 60-65 years and hailed from Hindu community. Nearly 60% of victims were from rural habitat. Of the 38 cases studied, 'suicide' topped the list. (36 cases) Chronic illness was the motive in nearly one-third of the cases. In 42.1% of the cases, poisoning occurred in winter season. Organophosphorus compounds were consumed in majority of cases (84.3%). Incidents of poisoning occurred indoors in overwhelming majority of cases. In 44.7% of cases-victims were survived for a period of less than one day.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; human; homicide; suicide; female; male; accident; aged; Chronic illness; intoxication; review; rural area; victim; sex ratio; retrospective study; clinical article; Geriatrics; Acute intoxication; chronic disease; religion; fatality; geriatric patient; winter; organophosphorus compound; Organophosphorus compounds and Suicide