A Cross-Sectional Study on Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Towards Household Poisoning Among South Indian Population

Background: Hazardous materials have become a popular home item in many developing countries over the last few decades. It has become a huge global health problem due to their simple availability, marketing, accessibility, and lack of knowledge. According to current statistics, unintentional and domestic poisoning is the 13th biggest cause of mortality in India. This was the first KAP study done among South Indian populations regarding household poisoning.
Objective: The study was carried out to assess knowledge, attitude, practices towards household poisoning in South Indian Population.
Materials and methods: A Cross Sectional Observational Survey (online) was done through self-administered questionnaire consist of 27 questions. Data analysis was done using Descriptive analysis.
Result: On an overall comparison among South Indian population regarding knowledge, attitude and practice, Andhra Pradesh has the highest percentage of knowledge (74%) and Kerala has the least percentage regarding knowledge (62.8%). Kerala has the highest level of good attitude (100%) and practice (80.5%) whereas Telangana has the lowest percentage in attitude (29.1%) and Andhra Pradesh was found to have the least percentage on practice (44.8%) regarding the household poisoning.
Discussion: As evidenced by this study, there has been a rise in knowledge and created a positive attitude towards household poisoning. The findings may also help to identify that many were aware of the probable poisonous situations but were hesitant to practice safety precautions.
Conclusion: In conclusion, people in South India needs more awareness on the household poisons, the poisonous circumstances and the management for such emergency situations.

Key words: Household poisons, Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, South Indian Population, poisons.