Trends of poisoning in Rajkot region- A retrospective study

Abstract

Poisoning is the commonest method adopted in India to commit suicide. Pesticide poisoning is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in many countries in the world. Present study was undertaken to evaluate the pattern of poisoning deaths in Rajkot region of Gujarat. Present Retrospective study was conducted from 1st January, 2016 to 31st December, 2018 at department of forensic medicine, PDU govt. medical college, Rajkot. During that period total 8102 autopsies were conducted, out of them 870 cases of fatal poisoning and animal envenomation were selected for study. Average incidence rate of death due to poisoning is around 11% in Rajkot region. Organophospharus poisoning (36.32%) was most common followed by Aluminium phosphide poisoning (31.26%) and these findings were observed in individual age group and in male. Incidence rate is higher in male (60%) as compared to female (40%). Highest numbers of cases were found in age group of 21-30 years (29.43%). Organophosphorus insecticide was the prime culprit among all poisons. Trends of this region were revealed and result was comparable with previous studies done in same region.