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Patterns and problems of deliberate self-poisoning in the developing world.
1Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. Eddleston@aol.com
QJM : Monthly Journal of the Association of Physicians
|November 15, 2000
Summary
Pesticides are the leading cause of self-harm deaths in tropical regions, while medicines like chloroquine are also significant. Reducing poison absorption interventions could decrease mortality from self-poisoning globally.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Toxicology
- Global Health
Background:
- Deliberate self-harm is a significant global health issue, particularly in developing countries, with high mortality rates.
- Mortality from self-poisoning is disproportionately higher in tropical regions due to toxic agents and limited medical resources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature and identify prevalent self-harm poisons in developing regions.
- To understand the epidemiological patterns and mortality associated with various poisoning agents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on poisoning and self-harm in developing countries.
- Analysis of data on the types of poisons used and their associated mortality rates.
Main Results:
- Pesticides are the most common and lethal poisons used for self-harm in tropical areas.
- Medicines like chloroquine are significant causes of fatal self-poisoning in Africa and the Pacific.
- Domestic/industrial chemicals cause substantial deaths and disabilities; plant parts are locally significant.
Conclusions:
- Pesticides and certain medicines pose major self-harm risks in developing nations.
- The lack of specific antidotes highlights the need for interventions reducing poison absorption.
- Further research and implementation of effective interventions are crucial to reduce self-poisoning deaths.