Related Experiment Videos
[Acute pesticide poisoning]
J J Durán-Nah1, J Collí-Quintal
1Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital General O'Horán, Mérida, Yucatán, México.
Objective:
To describe the epidemiologic pattern of acute pesticide poisoning (APP) in a general hospital in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.
Material And Methods:
From 1994 to 1998, 33 patients 13 years of age or older with diagnosis of APP were studied. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze information.
Results:
Males were frequently affected (82%), specially those coming from rural areas (60%). The mean age of the group was 34 +/- 15.8 years. In 79% of the cases, pesticides were used to commit suicide and 33% of poisoning cases were due to organophospate pesticides. The mortality rate was 12%.
Conclusions:
In this small sample, acute poisoning from pesticides in the agricultural setting may be underestimated, since it was less frequent than in the general population. APP was more commonly used by indigent people to commit suicide.
Insights
Acute pesticide poisoning (APP) disproportionately affected males from rural areas in Merida, Mexico. Most cases involved intentional self-poisoning with organophosphate pesticides, highlighting a significant public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Context:
- Pesticide poisoning is a significant global health issue, particularly in agricultural regions.
- Understanding the epidemiology of acute pesticide poisoning (APP) is crucial for targeted interventions.
- Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, presents a specific demographic and environmental context for APP studies.
Purpose:
- To investigate the epidemiological patterns of acute pesticide poisoning (APP) in a general hospital in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.
- To identify demographic, etiological, and outcome-related characteristics of APP patients.
- To provide data for public health strategies aimed at reducing pesticide-related morbidity and mortality.
Summary:
- A study of 33 patients aged 13+ with APP from 1994-1998 in Merida, Mexico.
- Males (82%) from rural areas (60%) were predominantly affected, with a mean age of 34 years.
- Pesticides were used for suicide in 79% of cases, with organophosphates being common (33%). The mortality rate was 12%.
Impact:
- Findings suggest APP in agricultural settings may be underestimated compared to the general population.
- The study highlights the role of pesticide use in intentional self-harm among indigent populations.
- Results underscore the need for improved pesticide safety measures and mental health support in rural communities.