Profile of Suicidal Poisoning Deaths: An Autopsy-Based Observational Study at a Tertiary Care Centre

Abstract

Background: Suicidal poisoning remains a major public health and medicolegal concern in India, particularly due to the widespread availability of highly toxic pesticides. Autopsy-based studies provide reliable information regarding the epidemiological profile, poisoning agents, and medicolegal characteristics of fatal suicidal poisoning, thereby facilitating effective prevention strategies. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive autopsy-based observational study was conducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, SMS Medical College, Jaipur, during 2024–2025. A total of 58 confirmed fatal suicidal poisoning cases were included. Data regarding demographic profile, type of poison, precipitating factors, autopsy findings, cause of death, and survival period were collected from postmortem records, police inquest reports, hospital records, and toxicological reports. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using frequencies and percentages. Results: Young adults aged 21–30 years constituted the largest proportion of victims. Males and rural residents predominated. Aluminium phosphide (34.48%) was the most commonly consumed poison, followed by organophosphorus compounds (20.69%). Love affair-related problems (26%), financial stress (23%), and academic failure (19%) were the leading precipitating factors. Congestion of internal organs was the predominant autopsy finding (98%), while shock (60%) was the most common immediate cause of death. Most victims survived for 12–24 hours after poison ingestion. Conclusion: Fatal suicidal poisoning predominantly affects young rural males and is mainly associated with the ingestion of highly toxic agricultural pesticides. Restricting access to hazardous poisons, strengthening mental health services, and ensuring prompt emergency management are essential to reduce poisoning-related mortality.

Keywords: Suicide; Poisoning; Aluminium phosphide; Organophosphorus compounds; Autopsy; Forensic medicine.