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Epidemiological Study of Poisoning Found in Samples of Bodies Referred to Forensic Medicine in Isfahan Province From 2017 to 2023
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Mahboubeh Hojati1   , Seyed Kamal Fotohi2 , Fatemeh Rostamabadi2 |
1- Legal Medicine Research Center, Iranian Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran & Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran , m.hojati12345@gmail.com
2- Legal Medicine Research Center, Iranian Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran |
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Abstract: (48 Views) |
Introduction: Poisoning remains one of the leading causes of unnatural deaths in Iran. Understanding its epidemiological patterns is crucial for effective prevention and public health planning. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of poisoning-related fatalities and identify the types of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and narcotics detected in bodies referred to the Forensic Medicine Organization of Isfahan Province, Iran, from 2017 to 2023.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using registered data of all poisoning-related deaths referred to the Isfahan Forensic Medicine Center over seven years (March 2017–March 2023). Demographic variables, type of toxic substance, year and location of incident, and occupation of the deceased were extracted using a standardized checklist. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS version 23.
Results: A total of 3,640 poisoning-related deaths were recorded, of which 81.4% were male. Narcotics were the most common cause of fatal poisoning (59.4%), followed by carbon monoxide (11.5%), alcohol (5.0%), and prescription/over-the-counter medications. The highest incidence was observed in the 31–40-year age group, with a peak in 2022–2023. Self-employed individuals and homemakers were the most affected occupational groups. A significant increasing trend in poisoning deaths was noted over the study period, particularly involving narcotics and non-narcotic pharmaceuticals in recent years.
Conclusion: The shifting patterns of toxic substances involved in fatal poisonings, along with the rising annual trend, underscore the urgent need for comprehensive preventive strategies. These should include restricting access to highly toxic substances, strengthening pharmaceutical and illicit drug market surveillance, and enhancing community mental health services, especially for high-risk groups. |
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| Keywords: Poisoning, Overdose, Narcotics, Suicide, Pesticides, Autopsy, Mortality |
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Type of Article: Short Communication |
Subject:
Forensic Epidemiology
Received: 2025/08/2 | Revised: 2025/11/25 | Accepted: 2025/11/25
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