Evaluating the Prevalence of Intentional and Unintentional Poisoning in Vulnerable Patients Admitted to a Referral Hospital

Document Type : Original Article (s)

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Toxicology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

2 Student of Medicine, School of Medicine AND Student Research Committee, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

3 Associate Professor, Isfahan Clinical Toxicology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

4 Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

5 Epidemiologist, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

6 Professor, Department of Clinical Toxicology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

Background: Acute poisoning is one of the most threatening health problems around the world. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of intentional and unintentional poisoning in vulnerable groups in order to assist in planning and implementation of preventive measures.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 786 patients in vulnerable groups (children, women of reproductive ages and the elderly) with acute poisoning who attended the Emergency Department of Noor Hospital in Isfahan, Iran, during 2012.Findings: In 89.5% of cases, poisoning was intentional and 20.1% of these patients had a history of previous suicide attempts. Women at the age 19-44 were the most suicidal cases (95.1%). The most common medications were psychiatric drugs (51.9%). No significant difference was found between sexes, ingested drugs, and outcome between intentional and poisoning group compared to unintentional poisoning. Majority of patients recovered and the mortality rate was 0.5%.Conclusion: Our results showed that the women of reproductive ages were the most vulnerable groups at risk of intentional poisoning in our society that commit suicide by using drugs especially with psychiatric drugs. More attention and support for this vulnerable group is suggested.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Isfahan Medical School
Volume 31, Issue 252 - Serial Number 252
July and August 2013
Pages 1452-1460

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History

  • Receive Date: 10 September 2013
  • Revise Date: 01 November 2024
  • Accept Date: 06 April 2022

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