Impact of Poisoning Pattern and Patient’s Behavior on Clinical Prognosis in A Tertiary Healthcare Center: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives: Acute poisoning contributes significantly to the global burden of emergency admissions, causing an estimated 300,000 deaths annually worldwide. In particular, southern states in India, such as Karnataka, reported a high incidence due to the widespread use of agricultural chemicals. Despite substantial toxicological research, limited studies have examined behavioral contributors like impulsivity and prior psychological stress factors. This study aims to assess the impact of poisoning patterns on behavioral and sociodemographic factors, including mortality, severity, and duration of hospitalization. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 60 poisoning cases collected from September 2024 to January 2025 in a tertiary care hospital in Karnataka. Data were collected using a structured, pre-validated questionnaire (with expert review and pilot testing), which covered sociodemographic characteristics, poisoning type, and behavioral factors. The outcomes were entered through cross-verified Google Forms and analyzed in SPSS version 29. Results: Among 60 patients, poisoning among the male population predominated with 63.3% compared to females (36.7%), housewives (30%), and farmers (18.3%). Oral ingestion (71.7%) was the most common route, and intentional poisoning accounted for 65% of the cases. Behavioral patterns, such as peer pressure (33.3%) and impulsivity (30%), played significant roles. The incidence of poisoning was primarily in the workplace (65%), followed by the home (20%), and other locations (15%). Severe cases (63.3%) required prolonged hospitalization, and mortality was observed in 10% of the cases. Conclusion: Poisoning, a critical public health issue, is strongly influenced by sociodemographic and behavioral patterns. Early medical intervention and preventive strategies reduce poisoning-related fatalities.