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Study of Sociodemographic Profile of Patients with Acute Poisoning in Himachal Pradesh

2020; Radiance Research Academy; Volume: 12; Issue: 22 Linguagem: Inglês

10.31782/ijcrr.2020.122222

2231-2196

Ravi Sharma, Pratibha Himral, Rajesh Bhawani,

Poisoning and overdose treatments

Introduction: Poison cases are on rising because of ever-increasing social pressures, changing lifestyles and overindulgence in substance abuse.In India poisoning assumes significant importance as it utilizes a major part of our already scarce health care resources and is associated with high morbidity and mortality.Aim: We aimed generate a sociodemographic profile of patients presenting with acute poisoning in our region which would help plan rational use of available resources for the prevention and management of these cases.Methods: This was conducted in the Govt.Medical College Mandi at Nerchowk Himachal Pradesh for a period of one year from December 2018 to November 2019.A structured proforma was suitably designed, the sociodemographic details, education level; causative agent; mode of poisoning; the person who brought the patient to hospital; marital status; any history of substance abuse; History of psychiatric illness were recorded.Expert psychiatry opinion was taken in every patient.Results: A total of 145 patients were admitted with acute poisoning.Poisoning was more common in females (79).Predominant age group involved was 18-30 years (46%).Most of the poisoning was seen in literate persons (93%).Poisoning was most often suicidal in intention (76%) done at home (90%) and mostly married (75%).Choice of agent for poisoning was diverse with organophosphorus predominating (15%) as a single agent. Conclusion:The social and peer pressure, marital and family discords, drug abuse, unemployment and psychiatric disorders are the causes behind this increased risk of poisoning.Assurance and education among the population about the safety and hazards of various chemicals used in houses and different occupations will go long way to prevent accidental poisoning.