Sathvika Reddy
MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences, India
Title: Profile of acute poisoning in patients admitted to emergency wards of a tertiary care hospital
Biography
Biography: Sathvika Reddy
Abstract
Background: According to World Health Organization (WHO), more than three million poisoning cases with 251,881 deaths occur annually of which 99% of fatal poisonings occur in developing countries. In India, due to the absence of research and systematic reporting of poisoning incidents, the exact incidence cannot be quantified. In light of that inconspicuous insight with respect to the nature of products, circumstances the outcomes are not clearly identified.
Aim & Objectives: Clinical profile of patients with acute poisoning admitted to emergency wards of a tertiary care hospital.
Methodology: Our study was conducted for a period of 6 months i.e., Nov 2016 to April 2017 in a tertiary care hospital. This prospective observational study included a total of 131 acute poisoning victims. The demographic data such as age, sex, marital status, level of education, occupation, socioeconomic status (Kuppuswamy’s socioeconomic scale) and location of intake of poison, time of intake and route of exposure, associated comorbid conditions and outcome of poisoning were recorded and documented.
Statistical Analysis: Chi square test (X2 test) (p<0.001).
Results: Among 131 patients dominant part of the patients fall under the age group of 21-30 years where male (n=64) and female (n=67). Deliberate self-harm was significantly found in literates (n=53) (X2 test p<0.001), married population (n=64) (X2 test p<0.001), homemakers (n=36) trailed by job holders (n=34), abiding in urban territories (n=133) belonging to upper middle class sector (n=50). Patients with a history of comorbidities were n=35. The frequent route of intake of poisonous agents is oral. Analgesics and anti-pyretic were commonly abused.
Conclusion: Poisoning with varying socio-demographic and socio-economical pattern is a growing health problem in developing countries. Intentional poisoning is very common among younger age group, thereby indicating a necessity for effective counseling and medical management strategies.