Demographic profile of Aluminium phosphide poisoning in Gandhinagar, Gujarat

Background: Poisoning is an important cause of unnatural death, next to road traffic accidents in India even today. Incidence of aluminium phosphide poisoning is increasing day by day in western region of India including Gujarat. Demographic profile of aluminium phosphide poisoning cases is very helpful to be aware of current scenario and to implement preventive steps for betterment of health services. Objectives: The present study was undertaken to know the demographic profile of aluminium phosphide poisoning cases received as indoor or outdoor patient department of Gayatri Hospital, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. Material and methods: History taking, complete examination and necessary investigations of all cases of aluminium phosphide poisoning was done, during the period of two years from 01-01-2012 to 31-12-2013. A proforma was prepared to fill up details of the parameters used in the study like prevalence of age and sex, socio-economic status, marital status, religion, literacy status, occupational status, time of consumption, manner of poisoning, reasons for suicidal consumption etc. Results: During the study period, 40 cases were diagnosed as of aluminium phosphide poisoning. Majority of the victims were in the age group of 41?50 years (25%), 70% were married, 80% were Hindu, 65% were of lower socio economical class and 57.5% belonged to rural area. Occurrence of aluminium phosphide poisoning was more common in evening time between 5 pm to 11 pm (45%) and among housewives (27.5%). Suicidal cases (82.5%) were more common compared to others. Conclusion: Based on these findings, preventive measures like restriction of sale and availability of aluminium phosphide, good availability of investigation and treatment, promoting poison information centre etc have been put forward.