The epidemiology of poisoning: An Indian view point

The study was carried out between 1994–2000 with three objectives, viz. a) to ascertain the various aspects of deaths due to poisoning, b) to analyze the probable reasons for the same and c) to find remedial measures to bring down the incidence of deaths by poisoning. Only those cases with a positive history of intake of or contact with some poisonous substance, thereby causing death, were included in the study. Age, Sex, Socio-economic and marital status, the poison alleged to have been consumed and its approximate quantity etc., were ascertained from various sources. The incidence in deaths due to poisoning was found to be persistently increasing. The age-group of 21–25 years, followed by 15–20 years, was the most prone to poisoning deaths. Male: female ratio was 2.5:1. Rural: urban ratio was 1.7:1. Among the male victims, married outnumbered the unmarried in rural community, while in the urban, reverse was observed. Among the females married outnumbered the unmarried in both the rural and urban communities. Aluminium Phosphide was found to be the drug of choice for suicides and suicide was the most common mode of poisoning. Based on the conclusions of the study various suggestions relating to decreasing the tensions of the modern mechanical life style, equal status for women in the society, educating the public in general, the rural population and the girl child, in particular; the use, storage and availability of the various insecticides and rodenticides, etc. have been put forward.