Study of profile of poisoning cases reported to district hospital, Chamarajanagar, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Background: Poisoning is a major public health problem worldwide, with thousands of deaths occurring every year, mainly in the developing countries. India, holding 70% of agricultural land, accounts for one third of pesticide poisoning cases in the third world, the farm workers being the worst affected. Most of the poisonings occur due to deliberate self-ingestion of the poison. Organo-phosphorus (OP) compounds occupy the greatest burden of poisoning related morbidity and mortality. The present study was aimed to know the profile of various poisoning cases admitted to emergency department in district hospital, Chamarajanagar, Karnataka, India. The main objectives of this study were to determine the profile of poisoning cases reported to district hospital, Chamarajanagar and to assess their pattern and outcome.Methods: A record based retrospective study for the year 2012 i.e. from 1st January 2012 to 31st December 2012 was conducted in district hospital, Chamarajanagar, Karnataka, India and the data regarding age, gender, residence, time elapsed after intake, type of poison, manner and route of poisoning, duration of hospitalization and outcome were collected in a pre-structured proforma. The data was analyzed using standard statistical methods.Results: In present study, rural hindu males were among the highest reported cases, with maximum number of cases reported during the month of March and during the 12:01 to 18:00 hours of the day. Irritant poisons accounts to the highest incidence (68%) among poisoning in present study. Pesticides, organophosphorus compound in particular form the major type of poisons among irritants followed by snake bite, rat poison and honey bee bite (sting). Conclusions: This study highlights the profile of poisoning cases admitted to the Chamarajanagar District, Karnataka, India which clearly indicates the high risk population involved and the common poisons encountered in these region.