Prevalence of Domestic Poisoning in a Rural Area of Tamil Nadu

To find out the prevalence of domestic poisoning in a rural village of Tamil Nadu.

A community based cross-sectional study was conducted during the month of October, 2015 in a rural village of Tamil Nadu. Sociodemographic information and details of domestic poisoning were obtained from a sample of alternately selected 398 households (housing 1251 individuals) using a semi structured questionnaire.

The three months period prevalence of domestic poisoning was found to be 11.9 per 1000 persons. Majority (61.5%, 8/13) of domestic poisoning cases were due to scorpion sting. Others were inhalation of pesticides while spraying (2/13), consumption of poisonous seeds (2/13) and a case of snake bite. Except one case of scorpion sting which occurred while the victim was sleeping, rest all cases of scorpion sting had occurred during performing household works like gardening, cleaning, lifting a brick etc.

Awareness should be generated among community members focusing on prevention of domestic poisoning. Specific activities like health education on adopting preventive measures while handling pesticide will prevent unintentional poisoning due to pesticides. Awareness should be spread on availability of mental health services and same should be offered to the family having mental health issues.