SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF PATIENTS WITH ACUTE POISONING IN THE EMERGENCY WARDS OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Objective: To assess the socio-demographic profile and outcomes in the patients with poisoning admitted to the emergency wards of a tertiary care hospital.Methods: The prospective observational study was conducted for a period of six months in the emergency wards of a tertiary care hospital. The demographic data, hospital admission variables and outcomes were collected from various sources and documented. Cluster analysis was used to find the interaction between the socio-demographic and hospital admission variables in association with outcomes of poisoning.Results: A total of 133 patients were admitted with acute poisoning. The mean age was 27.76±15.5%. Females (51.1%) were dominant over males (48.8%). Incidents of poisoning were predominant in married (49.6%), literates (41.35%), abiding in urban region (86.4%) and belonging to upper lower class (37.6%). The poisonings were intentional (69.17%) occurring through oral route (81.2%) at home (82%). Reason for poisoning was the most significant (1.00*) predictor followed by route of poisoning. Patients with mild symptoms were 85.71% 10.5% moderate and severe symptoms 3.75%. Majority of the victims recovered (82.71%) whilst 4.51% died.Conclusion: Poisoning patterns vary with socio-demographic and socio-economic status, which is a prevalent social and economic issue in developing countries. Depression acts as a slow poison and is common among younger age groups leading to increased cases of intentional poisoning, thereby indicating a necessity for appropriate psychiatric counselling, medical and peer management strategies to identify the individuals in need that can reduce the risk of next attempt.