Emergency Medicine: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Prevalence of Chemical Poisoning for Suicidal Attempts in Karachi, Pakistan

Fauzia Imtiaz, Mukaram Ali and Lubna Ali

Objective: To determine the prevalence of suicide in local population of Karachi due to chemical poisoning.
Study Design: A retrospective study.
Methodology: The study was conducted during the year 2011. The total no of 11925 cases were studied from the record provided by police surgeon office Karachi. A questionnaire was filled which comprises of bio data and details of suicide agent used.
Results: The prevalence of suicide by chemical poisoning in the sample population of Karachi was calculated as 11 in 10,000 among them 66% females and 34% were males. The ages range from 14 to 22 years. The most common chemical used for suicide was typhone a insecticide (40%) followed by kerosene oil (23%). Finis (insecticide) (22%) and a group comprises of different chemical agents (15%). The treatment outcome showed survival of 82% of cases while 18% died.
Conclusion: The prevalence of suicide attempt was 11in 10,000 in the population of Karachi, Pakistan. The most commonly used chemical for this purpose are insecticide (typhone, finis) and kerosene oil.