Trend of Poisoning in Females at a Tertiary Care Hospital of Haryana

Poisoning is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in developing countries affecting all ages and both genders. Though a lot of research has been conducted on poisoning cases, data regarding the epidemiology of poisoning in female gender remains deficient. Keeping the above scarcity of information in mind, a prospective study was undertaken in a leading tertiary care hospital of North India that not only addresses the health needs of the local population but also attracts a lot of patients from the adjacent districts and neighbouring states. All the female cases that reported in the Emergency department of the institute from 1March 2008 to 28 February 2009 with a suspected history of poisoning were included in the study and analyzed for demographic and social factors regarding age, marital status, residential area, season, and manner of poisoning, survival period and type of poison consumed. Out of total 436 cases analyzed, majorities were in 21–30 year age group and married. Most of the victims belonged to rural areas. Most of the poisoning cases were reported in the morning hours and the average duration of stay in the hospital was less than 6 hours. Suicidal attempts were reported in 58.7% cases. Death was reported in 49.8% of the victims. Aluminium phosphide was most frequently involved.