Psychological and clinical-epidemiological profile of poisoning in Nepal: an institutional experience [version 2; peer review: 2 approved]

Background  Poisoning has become a major public health problem, with the intent in most cases being self-harm and commit suicide. This study highlights the psychological and clinical-epidemiological profile of patients visiting Scheer Memorial Adventist Hospital after poisoning.  Methods  This retro...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Angela Basnet, Dhan Shrestha, Sabin Chaulagain, Ashok Thapa, Manoj Khadka, Bishal Regmi, Manita Khadka, Kabita Adhikari, Anil Jung Thapa, Sakar Pokharel, Kaushal Kumar Singh, Prajwal Syangtang, Surakchha Adhikari
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: F1000 Research Ltd 2021-08-01
Series:F1000Research
Online Access:https://f1000research.com/articles/10-556/v2
Description
Summary:Background  Poisoning has become a major public health problem, with the intent in most cases being self-harm and commit suicide. This study highlights the psychological and clinical-epidemiological profile of patients visiting Scheer Memorial Adventist Hospital after poisoning.  Methods  This retrospective record-based study was done among poisoning patients of a hospital in Nepal from 1st January 2018 to 31st December 2020. Data were analyzed using STATA version-15.  Results  Out of 134 total poisoning cases, 71 had consumed organophosphate compounds. The majority of the cases were female (59.2% in organophosphate groups, 69.8% in non-organophosphate groups). The circumstances of poisoning were mostly suicidal (95.8% in organophosphate groups, 90.5% in non-organophosphate groups) and the reasons for this being mostly family disputes. Organophosphate groups had 8.41 times higher odds of having complications when compared to non-organophosphorus compounds.   Conclusions  The majority of the poisoning cases were suicidal in nature and family disputes being the major reason for the intake of a poisonous substance. This demands that more attention be given to psychological and family counseling to resolve any disputes, as well as psychological management of poisoning cases after medical management. Also, a strong regulatory mechanism should be imposed to control the easy access to poisonous substances.
ISSN:2046-1402