Objective: Acute poisoning is a common cause of hospital admission in Bangladesh. But, risk
factors and characteristics of victims of different modes of poisoning have not been evaluated
for possible intervention strategies. So, in this study we aimed to describe the pattern of acute
poisoning in central Bangladesh as well as identifying risk factors for various mode of poisoning.
Methods: A prospective observational study was undertaken in Dhaka Medical College Hospital
in 2015. Consenting adult acute poisoning victims were included as study subjects. A pretested
structured case record form was used to systematically record the cases. The poisoning cases
were defined by clinical toxidrome (sympathomimetic, antimuscarinic, opioids, cholinergic,
sedative, etc) during acute presentation with suspected poisoning and groups accordingly.
SPSS 20 was used for data analysis and statistical tests including mean ± standard division (SD),
percentage, t test and chi-square were used accordingly.
Results: Total poisoning cases were 1155. Suicidal (62.25%, n=719), commuter poisoning
(24.16%, n=279) and accidental poisoning (12.38%, n=143) were main types of poisoning. Risk
factors of suicidal poisoning were young females of 11 to 30 years, married, housewives and
students (P<0.0001). Stressful relationship was the commonest reason of suicidal poisoning.
Pesticides and sedatives were frequently chosen for easy availability. Commuter poisoning was
common in males and urban areas (P<0.0001). Accidental poisoning was more in males and
rural areas (P<0.0001) and snake envenomation was the main cause.
Conclusion: Poisoning burden is high in central Bangladesh. Identified risk factors will help
develop poisoning prevention strategies.
Keywords: Bangladesh, Poisoning, Suicide, Preventio