A study of major causes and types of poisoning in Khonkaen, Thailand.
To investigate the problem of poisoning in Khonkaen Province, Thailand, a prospective data collection method was used. From 257 acute poisoning cases, the total poisoning rate was found to be 0.76/1000 hospital visits and the case fatality rate was 2.7%. Major types of poisoning found were poisonous animals (28.8%), agricultural chemicals (27.2%), misused therapeutic drugs (19.0%) and household chemicals (10.1%). Major causes of poisoning were suicide attempts (35.4%), accidents (28.4%), ignorance (26.8%) and occupational (8.6%). The most frequent age group affected was 11-30 y (58.8%). Females were found involved more than males (1.2:1). In males, the most frequent cause was unintentional poisoning; in females, it was from suicide attempts. The most frequent types among males were poisonous animals and agricultural chemicals; in females they were agricultural chemicals, misused therapeutic drugs and poisonous animals. The poisoning rate in children 0-5 was 12.1% of the total cases, and poisoning from every type of toxic substance was found. The cause in children was unintentional poisoning. The peak total poisoning time was from August to October.
Chirasirisap
K
K
Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khonkaen University, Thailand.
Ussanawarong
S
S
Tassaneeyakul
W
W
Reungsritrakool
W
W
Prasitwatanaseree
W
W
Sripanyawit
U
U
Premkamol
A
A
Prasartthong
W
W
Patitas
N
N
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011041:Poisoning / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013785:Thailand / Q000453:epidemiology