Citation

Kassiri H, Feiz-Haddad MH, Ghasemi F, Rezaei M, Ghanavati F. Middle East Journal of Scientific Research 2012; 12(7): 990-996.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012)

DOI

10.5829/idosi.mejsr.2012.12.7.7155

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Medicinal and non-medicinal poisoning are serious problems worldwide and the second cause of death following infection. The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiologic and demographic characteristics of intoxicated cases admitted to Razi Hospital in Ahvaz County, Iran. It was a descriptive study performed on 840 intoxicated admissions to Razi Hospital between March 2007 and February 2008. Data was collected in questionnaires, by observation and patient interviews. The collected data was coded, computerized and analyzed with SPSS software. The study population included 60.2% male and 39.8% female. The majority of patients aged 21-25 years (34.5%) and 16-20 years (22%). Non-medicinal figures with statisrics were (50.4%) and medicinal agents were (47.5%). Attempted suicide accounted for 59.6% of cases and accidental exposure was the cause of intoxication in 40.4% of them. The study group was comprised of 60.1% single and 39.9% married. Urban cases were recorded at 91.3% and the rest from rural areas. The highest incidents were referred in summer (38%) and the lowest in autumn (14.8%). This study showed that scorpion stings are the main cause of poisoning among non-medicinal agents; and tranquilizers are the main cause of intoxication in medical agents. Of all narcotics poisoning referrals, Opium was ranked first at 37.8%. In conclusion, to decrease the rate of incidents in poisoning centers, we need to choose a management system which will educate people how to reduce contact with toxic agents. © IDOSI Publications, 2012.

Language: en

Keywords

Intoxication; Epidemiology; Iran; Demography; Hospital; Ahvaz; County