The Profile of deliberate self-poisoning cases presenting at the emergency department of pelonomi regional hospital

ABSTRACT

Background Deliberate self-poisoning (DSP) remains a common method employed for suicide worldwide. Despite its frequent occurrence and the high cost required in its management, only few studies have been carried out on this subject in South Africa. Inadequate research into DSP in South Africa is a great concern as this may inadvertently result in an inadequate knowledge of health professionals on the general approach to victims presenting at emergency departments. This may consequently result in a poor clinical outcome of these cases. This study was aimed at determining the demographics of DSP cases presenting to the emergency department (ED) of Pelonomi hospital and also to enquire into the drugs/agents commonly used, reasons for DSP and the clinical outcome of these cases