EPIDEMIOLOGY OF ADULT POISONING IN TALEGANI HOSPITAL OF URMIA, 2004-2008

Poisoning is an important problem in public issues and is one of the relatively
common causes of medical emergencies that is probably the most common cause of death in adults.
Due to the increasing production of poisons and toxic drugs, poisoning receives more attention and
research. In addition, epidemiologic studies are conducted to evaluate the appropriateness of outcomes
on other populations at risk. This epidemiologic study was carried out to evaluate poisoning in adults
admitted to Talegani hospital of Urmia during 2004-2008.
Materials & Methods: This study was a cross-sectional descriptive survey. All of the 1208 poisoned
adults hospitalized in Talegani hospital during four years were studied. The required data were
collected using a checklist. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: The results showed that %53.6 of poisoned adults were female; %64.4 were male; %42.6
patients were single; %57.4 were married; %63.3 patients were 16-25 years; and %43.4 were
housewives. Drugs were the major cause of poisoning %66.4; and %86 patients were self inflicted.
Conclusion: The commonest method used by females for committing suicide (16-25 years) was by
drugs. It is recommended to teach families right skills for a peaceful life. It is necessary to train
families about intoxication and emergency care to poisoned patients.