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Poisoning in northern India: changing trends, causes and prevention thereof
B R Sharma1, Dassari Harish, Vivek Sharma
1Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Govt. Medical College, Sector 32, Chandigarh-160047, India.
Insights
Acute poisoning deaths increased significantly in Northern India over 21 years. Youth and unemployed individuals, particularly in urban areas, were most affected, with changing poison trends observed.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Medicine and Toxicology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Acute poisoning is a significant public health concern in India.
- Understanding trends in poisoning deaths is crucial for targeted interventions.
- Northern India presents diverse demographic profiles, from urban centers to rural areas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze changing trends in acute poisoning deaths over two decades (1980-2000) in Northern India.
- To compare poisoning patterns between a developed urban zone (Chandigarh) and a predominantly rural zone (Jammu).
- To provide data for health policy-makers to improve healthcare preparedness.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of acute poisoning deaths from 1980 to 2000.
- Data collected from Government Medical College Hospital, Jammu, and Government Medical College Hospital, Chandigarh.
- Analysis of demographic factors, common poisons, and victim profiles.
Main Results:
- A steep increase in acute poisoning cases was observed over the study period.
- Significant changes in the types of commonly used poisons were identified.
- Males, youth (unemployed and students), and agricultural/domestic workers were the most common victims.
- Urban areas showed a higher preponderance of poisoning deaths compared to rural areas.
Conclusions:
- Acute poisoning remains a growing concern in Northern India, with evolving patterns.
- Targeted prevention strategies are needed for vulnerable populations like unemployed youth and students.
- Urban lifestyles may contribute to increased poisoning risks, necessitating further investigation.
Abstract:
A twenty-one years retrospective study (1980-2000) of acute poisoning deaths carried out at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at Government Medical College Hospital, Jammu and Gov't. Medical College Hospital, Chandigarh--the two demographically different zones of Northern India. Union Territory of Chandigarh, which is the capital of Punjab and Haryana states, is one of the most developed parts of India, whereas Jammu primarily represents the rural India. The study is an attempt to analyze the various changing trends in acute poisoning in these zones with the aim that it will help immensely the health policy-makers to equip health care institutions accordingly. The present study reveals a steep increase in the number of acute poisoning cases and a change in the trends of the most commonly used poisons with the passage of time. Males outnumbered females and youth formed the majority of fatalities. The main victims were unemployed youth and students, followed by agricultural and domestic workers. Despite India's predominantly rural character, the urban preponderance of deaths by poisoning may reflect the role of leading a more stressful life in urban areas.