Citation

Angayarkanni S, Jeyasingh T. Indian J. Forensic Med. Toxicol. 2021; 15(1): 1-6.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, All-India Institute of Medical Sciences. Deptartment of Forensic Medicine)

DOI

10.37506/ijfmt.v15i1.13365

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Poisoning poses a major public health problem mainly in developing countries. Because of the rapid industrialization and advancement in agricultural sector, fatality by poisoning also increases day by day. The aim of this study is to determine the socio-demographic profile of fatal poisoning in Coimbatore District.

METHODS: This retrospective study was carried out in Department of Forensic Medicine, Coimbatore Medical College, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu with data obtained from fatal poisoning cases brought for postmortem examination from January 2016 to December 2016. Identification of specific poisons were done with chemical examiner's report. All collected data were analyzed in various possible aspects in the prepared proforma.

RESULTS: During the study period the total number of medico legal autopsies conducted were 3675 out of which fatal cases due to poisoning were 600(16.33%) cases. The study showed that the incidence of poisoning was more common among married men ie.303 cases (50.5%) out of 600 total number of poison cases. The incidence was more common in the age group 31 - 40 years in males (86 cases) which formed 14.3 % and in females it is 21-30 years (65 cases) which formed 10.8%.When we observed the religion wise distribution, Hindu males out numbered 369 out of 600 cases which formed 61.5%.

CONCLUSION: Morbidity and mortality due to poisoning can be minimized by health education, early referral, establishment of toxicological units for detection of specific poisons and appropriate guidance for proper management of poisoning cases at hospitals and primary health care centers. © 2021, Institute of Medico-Legal Publications. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; human; homicide; suicide; burn; Autopsy; drowning; female; male; incidence; autopsy; cause of death; hanging; Poison; morbidity; retrospective study; socioeconomics; marriage; drug intoxication; human tissue; middle aged; electrocution; accidental death; Article; Socio-demographic profile; mortality rate; case fatality rate