PREVALENCE, DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS AND SEASONAL VARIATIONS OF POISONING CASES REPORTED TO A FORENSIC MEDICINE DEPARTMENT IN PESHAWAR: A CROSS- SECTIONAL STUDY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69723/njms.04.03.0602Keywords:
Poisoning, Demographic factor, Seasonal variation, Forensic ToxicologyAbstract
Background:
Poisoning remains a critical public health issue worldwide, with significant morbidity and mortality. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in Peshawar poisoning cases have shown an upward trend, often influenced by socio-demographic and seasonal factors. The identification of these trends is essential to guide targeted prevention strategies and inform forensic and public health responses.
To determine the prevalence of poisoning cases and their associated demographic profiles reported to the Department of Forensic Medicine, Peshawar and to analyze the seasonal variations among them.
Methodology:
This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in department of forensic medicine and toxicology Khyber Medical College, Peshawar from January 1st to December 31st, 2024. All suspected poisoning cases presented for forensic examination during this period, excluding cases with incomplete documentation or unwilling participation. Both dead and living cases were included. Data were collected via proforma and analyzed using SPSS v25. Descriptive statistics were used for demographic variables and chi-square tests assessed seasonal associations.Among 960 subjects, the mean age was 29.5 ± 14.4 years (range 7–86 years), with males comprising 649(67.6%) and females 311 (32.4%). Most cases 727 (75.7%) were from urban areas, predominantly from Peshawar 456 (47.5%). The majority of poison samples were drawn from blood 505 samples (52.6%) and stomach contents 345 samples (35.9%). Toxicological analysis revealed that 384 individuals ( 40.1%) had identifiable poisons—30.9% with single and 9.2% with multiple poisons. Results were being tested in Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Phosphine (10.7%), benzodiazepines (9.7%), tricyclic antidepressants (8.6%), and methamphetamines (6.7%) were the most common poisons. Significant seasonal variations were observed for phosphine (p<0.001) particularly in June, amphetamines (pand benzodiazepines (p<0.001) in January month.
Conclusion:
This study highlights distinct demographic and seasonal patterns in poisoning cases in Peshawar, with young urban males affected most. Phosphine emerged as the most prevalent toxic agent, likely reflecting agricultural pesticide use.
Keywords:
Poisoning, Demographic factors, Seasonal variation, Forensic Toxicology
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