Analysis of pesticide poisoning cases in a tertiary care hospital, Mumbai

Description

The pesticide poisoning is a common medical emergency and leads to morbidity and mortality in developing countries due to easy accessibility and less cost. A prospective analysis of pesticide poisoning cases admitted to the emergency department of tertiary care, teaching hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra from 1st January 2006 to 31st December 2006. The main objectives, to assess the pattern and socio-demographic profile of pesticide poisoning. The most cases observed in the age group 21-30 years (n:72, 41.37%)). Total males affected were 94 (54.02%) dominating the females 80 (45.98%) and male to female ratio (1.17:1). But in younger age group, females were more affected than males. The maximum cases belonged to the lower socioeconomic class (n:82, 47.12%) and urban areas (n:106, 60.91%). Majority of the victims married and belonged to Hindu religion (n: 140, 80.4%). The occurrence of pesticide poisoning was more frequent in the evening (n:82,47.12%) and during the, monsoon (73, 41.95%).There is a need for adequate guidelines for sale, use, storage and safety practices for the pesticide. These will be helpful for the enhancement of the knowledge, awareness and safety practices among the population for prevention and reduction of the pesticide poisoning. It also emphasized on the early availability of treatment in the poisoning cases.