Patterns of Domestic Violence and its Relation to Suicidal Poisoning Attempts: An Observational Study at Tanta University Poison Control Centre

Background: Violence is a worldwide phenomenon resulting in 1.6 million deaths per year, making it one of the top causes of mortality in the world. Aim of the work: the present study aimed to assess the incidence of domestic violence, its patterns, and its relation to suicidal poisoning attempts in patients admitted to Tanta University Poison Control Centre (TUPCC). Patients and methods: The present study was carried out on 202 suicidal attempt cases admitted to TUPCC in the period from 1st of May 2022 to 31st of October 2022. The patients’ data including their sociodemographic, toxicological, suicidal and clinical evaluation were recorded in a special sheet. In addition, poison severity, investigation results, management and poisoning outcome were also recorded. Data about exposure to domestic violence and data about perpetrators were additionally recorded in a special questionnaire. Results: Most suicidal attempt patients were exposed to domestic violence. Patients exposed to domestic violence were mainly females, middle-aged, lower educated, from rural areas, and had lower socioeconomic status. Aluminum and zinc phosphides were the most common suicidal ingested poisons by patients exposed to domestic violence. Emotional violence was the most reported form of violence followed by physical, neglect and financial violence. Conclusions and Recommendations: exposure to domestic violence increases the risk of suicidal poisoning. Surveying any admitted suicidal case to identify their exposure to domestic violence is highly recommended.