Trend of poisoning at a tertiary care centre of Haryana: An autopsy based study

Abstract

Among the various modes of deaths, deaths due to poison are more common due to low cost and easy availability of poisonous substance especially in developing countries like India. The aim of present study is to analyse the trend of poisoning based on demographic and social parameters. The present study was conducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Pt. B. D. Sharma, PGIMS Rohtak in the period of one year i.e. 01/01/2018 to the 31/12/2018 over 282 cases. Data were complied, tabulated and analysed statistically. In this study, males outnumbered the females with male: female ratio 1.51:1. Most common age group affected was 21-30 years (34.7%) followed by age group 31-40 years (21.9%). Maximum number of cases of poisoning were seen in unemployed persons (20.2%) followed by labourers (19.1%). Most of the cases of poisoning belongs to rural residential area (66.3%) whereas (33.7 %) belongs to urban residential area. In both genders the cases of poisoning more common in married individuals (64.2) as compare to the unmarried individuals (35.8%). Ingestion of poison was most common mode of intake (84.4%) followed by inhalational mode (15.6%). Most of the individuals died within 6 hours of ingestion of poisonous substance (33.7%) followed by survival period between 6 to 12 hours (30.5%). Maximum number of cases were suicidal in manner (58.5%) whereas (41.5%) were accidental in manner collectively as well as in both genders. Homicidal poisoning was not observed. Deaths due to poisoning in young adults and in married persons are more common proven by many studies including present study which is a major concern. In order to avoid poisoning, many steps can be taken specially to limit the availability of poison.