Publication: Pattern of Organophosphorous Poisoning: A Retrospective Community Based Study
Date
2011
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Pesticide poisoning is very common in Nepal. Hospital based studies from various
parts of Nepal have shown that poisoning with organophosphorus compounds is
the most common type of poisoning. Current study is undertaken to see the pattern
of organophosphorus poisoning and to identify the common risk factors among
the cases. If the risk factors are modifiable, attempts in addressing the risk factors
and decreasing the likelihood of poisoning will certainly be fruitful in reducing the
morbidity and mortality associated with organophosphorus poisoning.
Objectives
To assess the risk factors of organophosphorus poisoning which is major public
health problem in Nepal.
Methods
A community based retrospective study of 75 cases of organophosphate poisoning
who were brought to the emergency department of Dhulikhel hospital over the
period of 3 years. Basic information was collected from hospital records and home
visits were made to study the risk factors. Data were collected through interviews of
the study population and their family members using a pre-designed questionnaire.
Results
In this study 75 cases and their families were interviewed of which there were 59%
males and 42% females (M/F ratio of 1:1.4). The majority (40%) of the poisoning
cases were in the age group 25-34 years. Lower literacy level showed positive
association with the incidence of poisoning. Occupation wise vast majority (80%)
of the cases were engaged in agricultural work. Suicidal attempts by ingesting
organophosphate compounds were high in farmers and females.
Conclusion
In this study, majority of the poisoning were attempts of intentional self harm.
Agriculture workers and females are high risk groups and may be associated with
the fact that they have easy access to the poison. Interventions directed towards
health education, counseling, and enforcement of laws restricting the availability
and use of harmful pesticides may help in reducing such events in future.
KEY WORDS
Organophosphorus, Pesticides.
Description
Chataut J, Adhikari RK, Sinha NP, Marahatta SB
Department of Community Medicine Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal.