Profile of Acute Poisoning in Adolescents from Southern India: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Introduction: Poisoning in children is an important paediatric emergency and a worldwide problem. Poisonings from intentional substance abuse, as well as unintentional toxic exposures, remain significant health concerns for hospital emergency admissions. Understanding the precipitating causes and providing timely counseling play a key role in preventing intentional poisoning in adolescents. Aim: To study the profile of acute self-poisoning in adolescents and factors associated with poisoning. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based prospective cohort study was conducted at Vanivilas Hospital, which is affiliated with Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute in Bengaluru, India. The study duration was from November 2018 to June 2020. The study included 100 adolescents, aged 10-18 years, who were admitted with a history of poisoning during the 18-month study period. Informed consent was obtained, and participants were followed-up until discharge. Data was collected using a proforma that included demographic details, information about poisoning, examination findings, investigations, and treatment given. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics, and the Chi-square test was used to determine associations between variables. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 15.48 years. The maximum number of cases, 53 (53%), were seen in the 13-16 years age group, followed by 36 (36%) in the age group of 17-18 years, and 11 (11%) in the age group 10-12 years. There were 33 (33%) male children and 67 (67%) female children. In the present study, 43 (43%) children belonged to the insecticide group, 30 (30%) to the drugs group (most of them were in combination), 14 (14%) to the household group, 4 (4%) belonged to both the plant and unknown group, and 2 (2%) belonged to the corrosive, and 1 (1%) each for herbicide, hydrocarbon, and metal groups. A total of 87 (87%) cases were discharged after completion of treatment, 8 (8%) cases were discharged against medical advice, and the mortality rate was 5 (5%). The majority of the cases, 79 (79%), consumed poison as an impulsive act secondary to conflicts among family members. Conclusion: The present study found that acute poisoning in adolescents is mostly intentional, with insecticides being the most commonly implicated agents.