Abstract:

Introduction Acute poisoning, characterized by exposure to toxic substances for less than 24 hours, is a significant public health issue worldwide. Factors leading to poisoning vary by region, customs, and socioeconomic level. To prevent this, countries and regions should analyze etiological and demographic characteristics of poisoning and take precautions. This study aimed to determine demographic, etiologic, and clinical characteristics of acute poisoning cases. Material and Method The study analyzed sociodemographic factors, clinical outcomes, and the causes of poisoning. Patients who attempted suicide were consulted by psychiatry at the end of their follow-up. The data was analyzed using Windows SPSS 21.0, with p <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results A study of 236,464 patients admitted to the adult emergency department within a 6-month period found that 432 (0.18%) were diagnosed with acute poisoning. The most common cause of acute poisoning cases was suicide attempts. The most common exposure agents were analgesics and antidepressants. The proportion of females (75.2%) in suicide attempts and males (89.5%) in abuse was statistically significantly higher. Of the 286 patients with suicide attempts, 212 (74.1%) underwent psychiatric consultation in the emergency department. The predominant psychosocial factors contributing to suicide attempts were familial issues and socioeconomic insufficiency. The overall mortality rate in patients followed up for acute poisoning was 0.46%. Conclusion The most common cause is intentional poisoning, particularly suicidal. Therapeutic drugs and food poisoning are the most common toxic agents. Family problems and socioeconomic inadequacy are common reasons for suicide attempts.

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