Profile of Poisoning Cases and Their Socio-Demographic Determinants in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Hospital-Based Observational Study

Background: Acute poisoning is a common poisoning emergency presentation in the Indian tertiary care hospital setting which is influenced by local toxic material availability, intent and social vulnerability characteristics. The objective is to present the clinical picture of poisoning cases and to determine the socio-demographic factors which predict intentional poisoning in patients admitted in a tertiary care hospital. Material and Methods: This observational study was carried out in a hospital in Nellimarla, Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, India at the Maharajah's Institute of Medical Sciences, from March 2025 to August 2025. There were one hundred cases of poisoning admitted during the study period. Data from demographic variables, residence, marital status, education, occupation, socioeconomic status, poisoning agent, mode of poisoning, time to admission, management and outcome were analysed. Chi-square test was performed to assess the association of socio-demographic factors with intentional poisoning and p<0.05 was set as significant. Results: The mean age was 31.6 ± 12.4 years. The largest group was 20–29 years (36.0%), and males constituted 58.0%. Rural residents formed 64.0%. Household chemicals/corrosives (18.0%) and rodenticides (16.0%) were the second most frequent agents used, followed by organophosphorus compounds (34.0%). The percentages of suicidal poisoning, accidental exposure and occupational exposure were 68.0%, 24.0% and 8.0% respectively. Vomiting was the commonest symptom (62.0%). A total of 26.0% had to be admitted to ICU, 12.0% required mechanical ventilation and mortality was 5.0%. Age group, education and occupation and socioeconomic status were all significantly associated with intentional poisoning. Conclusion: The age group of young adults, males, rural residents, and lower/middle socioeconomic groups were mainly affected by poisoning. Organophosphorus compounds were the largest group of toxicants, with deliberate poisoning accounting for the bulk of the burden, highlighting the importance of prompt emergency treatment, safe handling of toxic substances and community measures in the prevention of poisoning.

Keywords: Poisoning, Organophosphorus, Intentional poisoning, Socio-demographic determinant, Tertiary care hospital, Observational study.