Profile of deaths due to poisoning at tertiary care hospital of Central India

Poisoning is a major public health problem worldwide, with thousands of deaths occurring every year in the developing countries. India, holding 2/3 of agricultural land, accounts for one third of pesticide poisoning cases and the agricultural workers being the worst affected. Most of the poisonings occur due to self-ingestion of the poison. Organo-phosphorus compounds occupy the major burden of poisoning related morbidity and mortality. The present study was aimed to know the profile of various poisoning cases admitted to AVBRH hospital JNMC Wardha, India. The objectives of this study were to determine the profile of poisoning cases reported to assess their pattern and outcome. A retrospective study with the data regarding age, gender, residence, type of poison; manner, route of poisoning, outcome was collected in a structured proforma. The data was analysed using standard statistical methods. In present study, rural males were among the highest reported cases, with maximum number of cases reported during the summer season. Irritant poisons accounts to the highest incidence. Pesticides, Organophosphorus compound in particular form the major type of poisons among irritants. Present study highlights the profile of poisoning cases admitted to the AVBRH Hospital Wardha District, Maharashtra, India, which clearly indicates the high-risk population involved and the common poisons encountered in this region. Early detection of suicidal tendency and circumstantial causes among the persons in the society can be done, which will be beneficial in preventing the suicidal deaths by creating awareness.