Sociodemographic Profile of Cases of Deaths Due to Poisoning -1 Year Study

Authors

  • S. Sadasivam
  • R. Uthayakumar
  • Minu Menon

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v17i2.19173

Keywords:

Organo-phosphorus, suicidal poisoning.

Abstract

Poisoning is a major public health problem globally, with thousands of deaths occurring every year, & those
who survived the same, live with a life long suffering. In a developing country like India where more than
half of the population is still engaged in occupational activity of agriculture, accessibility to toxic substances
is not much hard. That is the reason, organophosphorus compounds are the most commonly used poisonous
substance creating a burden of poison related morbidity & mortality.
Objective: 1) To determine sociodemographic profile of poisoning cases brought for autopsy. 2) To assess their
pattern.
Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted for a period of 1 year (January 2021 – December 2021),
in cases of poisoning brought for autopsy at Tertiary care teaching hospital, Thoothukudi. All the data were
regarding age, gender, residence, type of poison, manner, duration of hospitalisation & outcome was collected
based pre structured proforma & further chemical analysis report. Data was analysed using standard statistical
method.
Results: Of the total, 140 cases, poisoning studied, 77% cases were males, 23% females. Maximum case was noted
in age group of 31-40 years (22.9%), majority belong to lower socioeconomic class (88%), Organophosphorus
compounds contribute 60% of cases, & majority of it is suicidal poisoning – 89%. , the maximum duration of
treatment taken was between 1-7 days(51.4%).Conclusion:- Males contribute majority of poisoning cases. It is the
middle age group, with suicidal poisoning tendency more contributing to total cases. Early& proper treatment
care in acute poisoning cases, with increasing mental health awareness among the common public can help in
reducing the mortality due to poisoning

Author Biographies

  • S. Sadasivam

    Associate ProfessorDepartment of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Government Thoothukudi Medical College, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu

  • R. Uthayakumar

    Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Government Thoothukudi Medical College, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu

  • Minu Menon

    Junior resident-Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Government Thoothukudi Medical College, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu

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Published

2023-04-05

How to Cite

Sociodemographic Profile of Cases of Deaths Due to Poisoning -1 Year Study. (2023). Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, 17(2), 42-45. https://doi.org/10.37506/ijfmt.v17i2.19173