Analysis Of Pesticide Poisoning Cases In A Tertiary Care Hospital, Mumbai.

ABSTRACT

Background: Acute pesticide poisoning (APP) is a serious problem worldwide. Pesticide poisoning is a common meth-od of suicide attempt and less commonly accidental poisoning in India. Methods: A prospective analysis of pesticide poisoning cases admitted to the emergency department of tertiary care, teaching hospital. The data regarding socio-demographic profile, pattern of poisoning, Occupation, type of pesticide poisoning, relation of pesticide poisoning and risk factors, time of ingestion of pesticide poisoning and Seasonal variation were studied. Results: Of 174 cases admit-ted to the emergency department of hospital with a diagnosis of acute pesticide poisoning, the most cases observed in the age group 21-30 years (n 72, 41.37%). Total males affected were 94 (54.02%) dominating the females 80 (45.98%) and male to female ratio (1.171). But in younger age group, females were more affected than males. The maximum cases belonged to the lower socioeconomic class (n 82, 47.12%) and urban areas (n 106, 60.91%). Majori-ty of the victims married and belonged to Hindu religion (n 140, 80.4%). The suicidal was commonest manner of pes-ticide poisoning accounting 98 cases (56.32%). The occurrence of pesticide poisoning was more frequent in the even-ing (n 82, 47.12%) and during the, monsoon (73, 41.95%). Conclusion: Pesticide poisoning is responsible for great number of admissions and deaths in India. There is a need for adequate guidelines for sale, use, storage and safety practices for the pesticide. These will be helpful for the enhancement of the knowledge, awareness and safety practices among the population for prevention and reduction of the pesticide poisoning. It also emphasized on the early availa-bility of treatment in the poisoning cases