Sociodemographic and Clinical Profile of Poisoning Cases Presenting to the Emergency Department: A Hospital-Based Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

K. Sudhakar Suresh; G Mahender; G JArchana

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i2.2788

Authors

Dr. K. Sudhakar Suresh Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Government Medical College, Mahbubnagar, Telangana
Dr. G Mahender Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Government Medical College, Quthbullapur, Medchal-Malkajgiri, Telangana, India.
Dr. G JArchana Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, Government Medical College, Jangaon, Telangana

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i2.2788

Keywords:

Acute poisoning, Emergency department, Organophosphorus compounds, Pesticide poisoning, Suicidal poisoning, Hospital-based observational study

Abstract

Background:

Acute poisoning is a common emergency presentation and remains an important preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in India. Regional data are essential for identifying vulnerable groups, common toxic agents, treatment needs, and outcome patterns.

Objectives:

To assess the sociodemographic profile, poisoning-related characteristics, clinical presentation, management, and outcomes of poisoning cases presenting to the emergency department.

Methods:

This hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the emergency department of Government Medical College, Quthbullapur, Medchal-Malkajgiri, Telangana, India, from 1 August 2024 to 31 January 2026 (18 months). Using consecutive sampling, 100 eligible acute-poisoning cases were enrolled. Sociodemographic characteristics, toxic agent, mode and route of exposure, time to hospital arrival, clinical manifestations, severity, management, hospital stay, and outcome were summarized using descriptive statistics.

Results:

The mean age was 32.8 ± 14.6 years; 32 (32.0%) patients were aged 21–30 years. Males accounted for 56 (56.0%) cases, rural residents for 62 (62.0%), and married individuals for 61 (61.0%). Pesticides/organophosphorus compounds were the leading agents [38 (38.0%)], followed by drug overdose [18 (18.0%)] and household chemicals [14 (14.0%)]. Suicidal poisoning occurred in 68 (68.0%) cases, and oral ingestion was reported in 92 (92.0%). Nausea/vomiting was the most frequent manifestation [68 (68.0%)]. Intensive care admission and ventilatory support were required in 24 (24.0%) and 14 (14.0%) patients, respectively. Overall, 89 (89.0%) recovered and were discharged, while 6 (6.0%) died.

Conclusion:

Poisoning predominantly affected young adults, males, rural residents, and agriculture-related groups. Pesticide poisoning and suicidal exposure were the major patterns, underscoring the need for preventive and emergency care strengthening.

Recommendations:

Community-level poison prevention, safe pesticide storage, mental health screening, rapid referral, and emergency preparedness should be strengthened in rural and semi-urban settings.

Author Biographies

Dr. K. Sudhakar Suresh, Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Government Medical College, Mahbubnagar, Telangana

is an Associate Professor in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at Government Medical College, Mahbubnagar, Telangana, India. He is engaged in medical education, forensic autopsy services, medicolegal opinion work, and research in forensic medicine and toxicology. His academic interests include acute poisoning, injury interpretation, medicolegal reporting, and forensic pathology. ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1903-3255

Dr. G Mahender, Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Government Medical College, Quthbullapur, Medchal-Malkajgiri, Telangana, India.

is an Associate Professor in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at Government Medical College, Quthbullapur, Telangana, India. He is involved in undergraduate medical teaching, medicolegal case analysis, forensic autopsy work, and academic training. His interests include clinical forensic medicine, toxicology, medicolegal documentation, and forensic pathology. ORCID iD: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5596-3955

Dr. G JArchana, Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, Government Medical College, Jangaon, Telangana

is an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology at Government Medical College, Jangaon, Telangana, India. She is involved in undergraduate medical teaching, diagnostic microbiology, laboratory-based academic training, and departmental research. Her interests include bacteriology, virology, mycology, parasitology, antimicrobial resistance, infection prevention, and hospital infection control.

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