The Epidemiology of Deliberate Self-Poisoning Presenting at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Hyderabad Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: To observe the demographic characteristics of the patients, substance abused, intention and precipitating factors for self-poisoning presenting to Accident& Emergency department of Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan. Patients and Methodology: A prospective observational study was carried out for a period of 6 months from (March 2013 to August 2013).100 patients more than >12years with a definite history of self-poisoning were included. Details regarding patients demographic characteristics e.g. age, sex, maritalstatus, academic status, socioeconomic standing etc. and substance abused for self-poisoning were recorded on a specifically designed proforma. Results: During the study period 100 patients of DSP were included. Of 100 patients 40% (n=40) were male age ranges from (15-50) and 60% (n=60) were female age ranges from (17-50). Mean age of the patients was 23.63±8.370 (mean±SD). Out of hundred patients 57% (F=31, M=26) were uneducated, 56% (F=34, M=22) were unmarried, those who were unmarried had statistically significant relationship with the use of organophosphorous compounds/Rat killer for self-poisoning (p= 0.0281). 85% of the total patients belonged to lower socioeconomic class. Occupation wise mostly female were household/house wife and male were farmer/labour. (49%) of the studied group used organo-phosphorous containing compound insecticide/pesticides, 29% used Rat killer. 11% of the patients consumed benzodiazepine for self-poisoning.60% of the total patients had suicidal intention, use of organophosphorous compound/Rat killer is significantly associated with the intention to suicide (p=0.0001), 33%of the patients wanted to draw attention and 7% committed DSP to show anger, or to punish themselves because of guilt Table 4. (46%) committed the act of DSP after having conflict with parents other had interpersonal conflicts with husband/wife, girlfriend/boyfriend and close relatives. Conclusion: Use of organophosphorous containing compound/Rat killer are associated with an intention to suicide (p=0.0001) and these are preferred substances used for self-poisoning among unmarried population (p=0.0281).Demographic characteristics of patients do not vary greatly with relation to their orientation to urban or rural areas as well as choice of substance for self-poisoning were also independent to location (p=1.0000).