Background: Organophosphorous (OP) compounds are extensively used in India as insecticides and most often misused for suicide purpose. Aim: The present study was undertaken to know the incidence of organophosphorous poisoning, socioeconomic status and nature of poisons in the southern region of Odisha state. Material and Method: The study group comprised 1514 OP poisoning cases admitted to the VSS Medical College Hospital, Burla. Retrospective analysis of hospital records, post mortem reports and inquest reports were made to study the determinants. Result: Organophosphorous poisoning cases constituted 65.31% of total cases. Maximum number of organophosphorous poisoning cases were between the ages of 21-30 years of lower socioeconomic status. Males were more affected than female. 66.63 % of the cases were from rural area. Commonest symptoms were nausea, vomiting, pupillary constriction, sweating and excessive salivation. Conclusion: There is an increasing trend to use organophosphorus poison as a means of committing suicide among the rural population in western Odisha which needs urgent attention by appropriate authorities. 

Key words: Organophosphorous (OP) compounds; Insecticides; Suicide.