Study of Mortality Rate And Poisoning Status by Using Pesticides, Drugs, and Chemicals In Meshkinshahr, Ardabil Province

Background and Purpose: Poisoning with pesticides, drugs, and chemicals is one of the most important health problems in the world, causing a varying mortality rate in different regions. Easy access to a variety of drugs and poisons has caused some people to be hurt by using such things. The aim of this study was to evaluate the poisoning and mortality rate by using poisons, drugs, and chemicals in Meshkinshahr, a city in Ardabil Province. Materials   and  Methods: This descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Meshkinshahr Hospital from 2017 until the end of 2018. All information of people who were poisoned with pesticides, drugs, and chemicals was extracted from hospital case, and then was analyzed by SPSS 23. Results: Totally, 453 cases were referred to hospital with 173 (38.20 %) male and 280 (61.80 %) female. 73%  of the cases were poisoned by using  medications and  drugs , 18% by  using  other chemicals and 9% by poisons and pesticides. The mortality rate was 4%, with 70% due to exposure to pesticides and toxics, and 60% pertaining to deliberate suicide. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, most of the poisoning cases occurred as a result of using drugs; however, more than 70% of mortality was due to pesticides which indicated the toxicity of the pesticides. Also, the findings emphasized that the knowledge of target people is low.