Pattern of Acute Poisoning Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital of Western Nepal

Authors

  • Raju Prasad Shakya Department of Emergency, Lumbini Medical College Teaching Hospital, Palpa
  • Suraj Adhikari Department of Emergency, Lumbini Medical College Teaching Hospital, Palpa
  • Rohit Bajracharya Department of Emergency, Lumbini Medical College Teaching Hospital, Palpa

Keywords:

Organophosphate poisoning, Poisoning, Suicide

Abstract

Introduction: Poisoning with various substances is a major public health problem and a reason for significant morbidity and mortality throughout the globe. It is one of the most common presentations in an emergency department. This study was conducted to determine the socio demographic, poisoning types, and mode of poisoning in cases attending a tertiary hospital of Western Nepal.

 Methods: A retrospective observational study of two years was conducted from July 2014 to June 2016. Demography details, name of poisonous substance, and reasons for poisoning were reviewed and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

 Results: A total of 65 cases of poisoning were recorded. The occurrence was more common in female (n=44, 67.7%) with a F:M ratio of 2.1:1. Poisoning was most common in the age group of 11-20 years (32.3%). Most of the cases were students (37%) followed by farmers (26%). The most commonly abused poisoning substance were organophosphorous compounds, zinc phosphide, and kerosene in adults, adolescents, and children respectively. Oral route was the most common (99%) route of administration. Suicidal attempt, as a mode of poisoning, accounted for 70.8% of total poisoning cases.

Conclusion: Female and young people are at greater risk of acute poisoning. Insecticide was the most common agent. The occurrence of poisoning and its morbidity and mortality can be reduced by development and implementation of effective prevention strategies like restricting easy access to poisons, establishing drug and poison information centers, and community awareness programs.

J. Lumbini. Med. Coll. Vol 4, No 2, July-Dec 2016, page: 90-93

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22502/jlmc.v4i2.98

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.
Abstract
895
PDF
1288

Author Biographies

Raju Prasad Shakya, Department of Emergency, Lumbini Medical College Teaching Hospital, Palpa

Consultant Family Physician

Suraj Adhikari, Department of Emergency, Lumbini Medical College Teaching Hospital, Palpa

Medical Officer

Rohit Bajracharya, Department of Emergency, Lumbini Medical College Teaching Hospital, Palpa

Medical Officer

Downloads

Published

2017-01-26

How to Cite

Shakya, R. P., Adhikari, S., & Bajracharya, R. (2017). Pattern of Acute Poisoning Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital of Western Nepal. Journal of Lumbini Medical College, 4(2), 90–93. Retrieved from https://www.nepjol.info/index.php/JLMC/article/view/16472

Issue

Section

Original Research Articles