Analysis of poisoning deaths in Mangalore, coastal Karnataka

A prospective study to determine the various factors involved in poisoning deaths was conducted at the Government Wenlock Hospital Mortuary attached to the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. During the study period extending from May 2004 to September 2005, 58 autopsied fatal poisoning cases were recorded out of 819 medicolegal autopsies. Poisoning deaths constituted 7.1% of the total number of autopsies conducted. Suicidal poisoning accounted for 69% of the fatal poisonings, followed by accidental cases (31%). 53.4% of the fatalities were due to pesticide poisoning. 86.2% of the victims consumed the poison at their residence. 69% of cases occurred in rural areas. There was a clear male preponderance over female victims in the ratio of 2.9:1. 58.6% of cases were seen in the vulnerable age group of 21 – 40 years. Suggestions are offered to minimize the incidence of pesticide poisoning, which poses a unique risk to the population of the study area.