Citation

Zaheer MS, Aslam M, Gupta V, Sharma V, Khan SA. Health Popul. Perspect. Iss. 2009; 32(4): 176-183.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, National Institute of Health and Family Welfare (India))

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Poisoning is a major problem in developing countries. Recently, it is increased due to the frequent use of pesticides in agriculture and exposure to hazardous chemical compounds as a result of rapid industrialization. Profile of poisoning in an area depends upon the access and availability of poison, socio-economic status, cultural and religious influences. This study has been aimed to determine the various parameters of poisoning such as mode and type of poisoning, relation to sex, occupation, marital status, vulnerable age group, outcome of patients with poisoning, and to find out the most common type of poison used in the North Indian states. Data were collected from the cases admitted with acute poisoning in medical wards of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital, Aligarh, over a period of one year. 104 cases were taken and the type of poison consumed, age and sex, marital status, religion, social class, mode of poisoning, occupation and outcomes of the victims with poisoning were assessed. Maximum number of cases (n=59) were recorded in the 20-29 years age group. The frequency declined as the age advanced (P<0.01). Irrespective of sex, suicide was the most common mode of poisoning. Aluminium phosphide was the most common poison and with maximum mortality (P=0.002). Majority of the cases belonged to the middle socioeconomic strata (Class III and IV). Organophosphates and aluminium phosphide constituted the majority of cases in rural areas (63%), while zinc phosphide, aluminium phoshide, sedatives and delirients accounted for majority of the urban cases (80%). The distribution pattern was statistically significant (P< 0.001). Marital discord and family problems were important causes of poisoning. There is an alarming increase in the cases of poisoning mainly for suicidal purposes. Cases of aluminium phosphide poisoning are increasing in recent years in North India which causes mortality due to its high case fatality rate. Due to non-availability of specific antidote and ease of procurement, it will assume epidemic proportions in future. Strict legislative measures over the sale of poison and increase in public awareness about the seriousness of the problem through health education should be undertaken.

Language: en

Keywords

Poisoning; Pesticides; Drugs; North india; Socio-demographic profile