A Survey on the Pattern of Aluminum Phosphide Poisoning in Gorgan, North of Iran

Background and Aims: Aluminum phosphide (ALP) is the common cause of poisoning in adults with a very high fatality ratio in Iran. This study aimed to determine the ALP poisoning pattern in Gorgan.
Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study and the data were obtained from the all medical records of ALP Poisonings admissions to the 5 Azar hospital in 2009 – 2016. The data were recorded in a check list and analyzed with SPSS 16 software.and pearson,s Chi- squared test.
Results: 73 cases out of a total 1083 poisoning cases, were due to ALP poisonings. The mean age of patients was 27.47 ± 16.75 years and majority of them were males (72.6%). 74% of patients lived in urban areas. The maximum number of poisoning occurred in summer (31.5%) and 57.5% of cases had been educated up to high school. All cases of ALP poisoning have been occurred intentionally (suicide). In total, 25 patients died and most cases of morbidity and mortality belongs to the age groups of 20-29 years, 54.4% and 52%, respectively.
Conclusion: Results showed that suicide attempt was the most common cause of ALP poisoning, most commonly among men who were less than 30 years of age. Also, regarding to high mortality of ALP poisoning, more trainings and warnings through medias on ALP poisoning dangers is necessary