Trends of Suicidal Poisoning in Southern part of Assam
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37506/pak9t129Keywords:
Organophosphorus, Pesticide, Suicide, Post-mortem, Assam.Abstract
Suicide is a leading cause of mortality among young people in many countries, making it a serious
global public health problem. It is estimated that around 20% of global suicides are due to
pesticide poisoning. This study was conducted with an objective to find out the commonest suicidal
poison and its demographic distribution. This study was designed on victims of suicidal poisoning
brought for medicolegal autopsy at Silchar Medical College and Hospital, Silchar, Assam between
15th October 2017 and 14th October 2022. Required information for the study was gathered from
inquest reports, autopsy reports, chemical examiner’s analysis report of viscera and available
documents in the departmental records. The collected information was statistically analysed using
Microsoft excel version 2019. Out of 64 cases, poison was detected in 33 Cases. Male victims
surpassed females with highest number of victims from age group 21-30 years. Most common poisoning
agent was organophosphorus compounds. Educational and awareness programs regarding usage and
storage of pesticides can become an important step for the prevention of deaths due to poisoning. However more research is needed to better understand suicides involving pesticides in their cultural contexts
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