Suicidal poisoning in Southern India: Gender differences

Abstract 

Poisoning is an important health hazard and one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Poisoning is one of the preferred means of committing suicide among males and females in India. A five year retrospective study from January 2000 to December 2004 was conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, to understand the magnitude and pattern of suicidal poisoning deaths among males and females in Southern India. During this period, a total of 137 cases of suicidal poisoning related deaths were autopsied. Males were predominantly affected (male:female 2.8:1).

Maximum victims of suicidal poisoning mortalities were in their 3rd decade. Mean age for males and females was 40.5 years and 34.4 years, respectively. 27.8% of females and 10.9% males were suffering from depression. Preference for organophosphates was relatively more in males when compared to females, who preferred zinc phosphide, carbamates and medicinal agents. Suicidal poisoning was commonly encountered during afternoon hours in females. Males usually consumed poison during evening and late night hours. Maximum male mortalities were noted during second quarter of the year in contrast to first quarter in females. This paper examines the difference in pattern of suicidal poisoning among males and females to identify population at risk, and understand the problem status among both genders.

Keywords: Suicide, Poisoning, Organophosphates, Depression, Seasonality, Mortality