A STUDY ON POISONING CASES ADMITTED IN LLR HOSPITAL, KANPUR

Background: Poisoning is a significant global public health problem. 91% of poisoning cases occur in low and middle income countries. The rate of suicidal poisoning is increasing globally. Objectives: To study the biosocial correlates, nature of poisoning and type of poison consumed by cases admitted in LLR Hospital, Kanpur. Material and Methods: The study was conducted among poisoning cases admitted in Medicine Department of Lala Lajpat Rai Hospital, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh during the period of March-September, 2015. Data was recorded in a pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire and analyzed using percentages and chi-square test. Results: Out of 70 poisoning cases included in the study, most (55.71%) of the cases were males. Maximum number of cases among both males (74.36%) and females (58.06%) were in 20-40 years age group. In urban areas, most of the cases were males (66.67%) whereas in rural areas, females (58.06%) outnumbered males. Majority (94.29%) of the cases were suicidal in nature. Pesticides (45.71%) followed by household products (42.86%) were commonly used as poisons. Among household products, hair dye (80%) was consumed by majority of the cases. Conclusion: Young adults in the economically productive age group were the commonest victims with suicidal intention. Pesticides and household products were commonly used as poisons.