Pattern of Poisoning Cases Reported To The Toxicology Laboratory of Bacha Khan Medical College, Mardan, Pakistan: A Retrospective Descriptive Study

Abstract

Background: Poison is any substance which is taken in any form by any route produce harmful effects on the body. In our society, trends of poisons intake increasing day by day, so their analysis may help to take preventive measures.
Objective:
The objectives of this study were to determine frequency of poisoning cases presented to Toxicology Laboratory of Bacha Khan Medical College, Mardan Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan
Methods & Materials:
This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 170 cases in Toxicology Laboratory of Bacha Khan Medical College, Mardan from 20 October 2019 to 19 December 2020.
All poisoning cases presented to forensic laboratory Bacha Khan Medical College, Mardan were included in our study. While those cases whose toxicology findings were inconclusive and those who were referred from other districts were excluded from study.
Results:
In our study most of poisoning cases occurred in male (58.8%), in age group 26-45 years range (70.6%), in rural areas (76.5%) and the most common manner was suicidal (77.1%). The results also showed that the oral route was used in most of cases 72.9% for taking the poison. The most common poisons used were household poisons (42.9%).
Conclusion:
From our study we concluded that most of the poisoning cases presented in middle aged males of rural areas. In addition, the most common used poison was household poisons and the manner was suicidal.