Poisoning: an unnatural cause of morbidity and mortality in rural India

Ninety-nine percent of fatal poisonings occur in developing countries, particularly among agricultural workers. In a particular area, it is important to known the magnitude and pattern of acute poisonings, as it is important for early diagnosis and treatment and also for preventive measures.

Hospital records of all unnatural causes of deaths were reviewed at Shri Vasantrao Naik Government Medical College, Yavatmal, Maharashtra during the five years period, 1997-2001. Autopsy records in fatal poisonings were studied for age, sex, residence, marital status, type of poison and manner of poisoning (accidental, suicidal or homicidal). Admission and death rates of acute poisonings were compared with those from other unnatural causes.

Acute poisoning is the leading most cause of unnatural deaths and third common cause of emergency hospitalizations in this rural part of India. Of all fatal cases, 67% were males, 63% married, 83% with rural residence and 63.4% suicides. Responsible poison could not be ascertained in 16% of clinical and 9.9% of fatal cases. Insecticides were responsible for 35% of clinical and 55.4% of fatal cases.

Young married males of rural background with agricultural occupation and failure of monsoon are the risk factors associated with poisoning cases.