1Associate Professor, Forensic Medicine Department, The Oxford Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Bangalore, India
2Post-graduate, Forensic Medicine Department, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College & Hospital, Puducherry, India
3Prof & Head, Forensic Medicine Department, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College & Hospital, Puducherry, India
4Head of, Forensic Medicine Department, Indira Gandhi Government General Hospital & Post Graduate Institute, (IGGGH & PGI), Puducherry, India
5Assistant Professor, Forensic Medicine Department, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College & Hospital, Puducherry, India
*Corresponding author: Dr. Ananda Reddy, Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, The Oxford Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Yadavanahalli, Bangalore-562107, Karnataka. India E-mail: -fmreddy2@gmail.com. Mobile: +91-9845707755.
Online published on 8 January, 2016.
Acute poisoning cases are significant contributors of medical emergencies and unnatural deaths worldwide, and more so in developing countries like India. Critical analysis of factors related to these fatalities are pivotal to implement preventive steps.
This study was aimed to assess the pattern & socio-demographic factors in victims of fatal poisoning.
The present study is a cross sectional, descriptive study of 186 poisoning deaths autopsied at the IGGGH & PGI in Puducherry during the calendar year 2012. Victim's data were gathered from interviews, autopsy procedure and results were analyzed.
Fatal poisoning cases were accounted for 11.92% of autopsies. Most victims were males (68.3%), between third and fifth decade of life (66%). Remarkably victims were from rural background (72%), Hindus (91%), Agricultural workers (45%), Married (67%), Illiterate (48%) and Lower income (54%) group. The predominant poison consumed was organophosphorus insecticides, followed by snake bites, alcohol and drug overdoses. The commonest manner was suicidal intent, and the most common reasons for poisoning were personal issues and family disputes.
Legislation of sale and distribution of agricultural poisons & Education among vulnerable population alleviates the frequency of poisoning deaths.
Acute Poisoning, Fatalities, Insecticides, Autopsy, Suicide
