Epidemiologic Study of Fatal and Non-Fatal Poisoning Case in Pediatric, Around Jamnagar Region, Gujarat in India (January-December 2013)

Background: In spite of successful interventions and safety measures to prevent accidental poisoning in pediatric population, it contributes significantly to childhood morbidity and mortality. Methods: This Retrospective study comprising of 204 cases of poisoning was conducted during the period of a year, from 1st January 2013- 31st Dec 2013 at Forensic Medicine Department, Shri M. P. Shah Govt. College, Guru Gobindsinh Govt. hospital (GGG) Jamnagar. Results: The incidence of poisoning was more in age group of 2-3 year. Majority of victims were male as compared to females. The most common place of incidence of poisoning was home followed by playground. Most common route of poisoning was oral followed by poisonous animal bites and sting. All poisoning cases were accidental in nature. No suicidal or homicidal case was found in our study. Poisoning cases were more common in the months of April and October than in the rest of the months. The most common agent involved in pediatric poisoning was kerosene. Conclusion: Based on observation most of the cases were accidental poisoning in young children so precaution like proper storage and proper disposal of chemicals and parental awareness regarding these issues could sufficiently reduce the prevalence of poisoning among children.