Poisoning and its pattern among patients in a tertiary care center in Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu

INTRODUCTION: Poisoning is an important global health problem that leads to increase in mortality and morbidity. Worldwide, a million people die each year because of poisoning. The incidence of poisoning is also highest in India, with an estimated death of 50,000 people every year. There is a paucity of literature on various factors associated with poisoning which hinders effective poisoning prevention. AIMS: The present study aimed to study the pattern of poisoning among patients in a tertiary care center and to assess the factors associated with poisoning. METHODOLOGY: The prospective study was conducted at the intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital from May 2018 to September 2018. All the patients who had exposure to poisoning were included in the study. A pretested questionnaire was administered, and information regarding sociodemographic factors, type, mode, and outcome of poisoning were obtained. Statistical analysis was done through SPSS version 21. RESULTS: Of 106 poisoning patients admitted, 55.7% were female and majority were from rural area (52.8%). The major type of poisoning was suicidal (86.8%). Among suicidal, tablet poisoning was predominant (35.8%), followed by corrosive poisoning (17.9%) and Organophosphorus poisoning (13.2%). The major reason for suicidal poisoning was family problems (63.4%), and the association was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Suicidal poisoning was more among the age group of 21–30 years and middle socioeconomic status, which was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The prevalence of poisoning was 20.8% and 19.8% among homemakers and college students, respectively, which was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Young adults, especially homemakers and college students, are more affected from poisoning in the current study. The involvement of family, educational institutes, and community is very important in identifying the risk factors and timely counseling. Emphasis should be made on legislative measures to combat socioeconomic problems.