An epidemiological study of poisoning trends in eastern region of Nepal

Abstract

Poisoning is a common problem worldwide in which, insecticide poisoning is a major problem in developing countries. Numbers of cases are reported in agricultural rich countries. Insecticide poisoning is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in many countries in the world. Majority of the farmers are unaware of insecticide types, level of poisoning, safety precautions and potential hazards on health and environment. In present study 2533 patients in which 1441 females and 1092 males with severe poisoning were admitted in the emergency ward of tertiary care hospital at eastern region of Nepal from January 2009 to December 2011 were studied for detail epidemiological and medico legal analysis. Cases of toxic effect of insecticides, other noxious substances eaten as food and toxic effect of contact with venomous animals were reported. The prone age group was 27 years in most of the cases. Most of the admitted cases were of suicidal as well as accidental in nature and female were the main victim in incidence of such poisoning. It is also increasing because of free access and easy availability. Toxic and environmentally persistent chemicals are being used as Insecticides. It is therefore essential that manufacture, use, storage, transport and disposal of chemical insecticides be strictly regulated.