Socio-Demiological and Psychological Profile of Poisoning Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern Odisha

Background: Poisoning, involving harmful substance exposure leading to illness or death, causes approximately 300,000 annual deaths globally.Agricultural pesticides, especially in developing countries like India, are commonly used for self-harm, contributing to 20% of global poisoning fatalities, with pesticide consumption being a major cause in India.The aim is to evaluate the socio-demographic and psychological profile of poisoning in tertiary care.Methods: This cross-sectional observational research at a hospital assessed sociodemographic characteristics of adult poisoning patients admitted to PGIMER and CH.Factors included age, sex, religion, residence, marital status, employment, socioeconomic status, literacy, and poisoning causes.Age was measured in years, and sex was classified as male, female, and other.Religions included Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and others.Results: The distribution of poisoning types among patients shows organophosphorus poisoning at 18.8%, celphos and phenyl each at 16.9%, vermillion at 7.5%, oleander at 9.4%, and other types at 30.2%.Primary causes are family disturbances (39.6%) and love affairs (32.1%), with financial and educational issues each at 11.3%.Organophosphorus and oleander poisonings are rural, while urban areas see more vermillion and phenyl poisoning.Suicide is the predominant intent (96.2%), with 42.4% having prior suicidal attempts.Outcomes show 73.5% discharged, 16.9% referred, and 9.4% deaths.Conclusion: An increase in public awareness about the seriousness of the problem through health education and efforts to destress and develop a healthy outlook towards life should be undertaken.It is needed to establish a poison information centre for the better management and prevention of poisoning cases.