T Naseri Booriabadi , M Fayaz Dastgerdi , M Fateh , F* Sadeghian ,
Volume 14, Issue 4 (winter 2024)
Abstract
Background & objectives: Snakebites and scorpion stings are significant health concerns that often require emergency medical attention. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological patterns of these injuries in Shahroud.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over two years, from April 2017 to March 2019. The data collection tool was the Department of Disease Control trauma registration form, affiliated with the Ministry of Health of Iran. The form collected information such as age, sex, region, accident site, mechanism, and outcome. Data was obtained from the emergency departments of three hospitals. Chi-square and t-tests were used to analyze the data. The significant level was considered 0.05.
Results: During the study period, 334 patients with an average age of 34.1±18.02 years were referred to the emergency departments of the three hospitals. Among them, 67.1% were males. The highest frequency occurred in the age group of 30-40 years for males and 20-30 years for females in August. There was a statistically significant difference in the age distribution of injuries between males and females (p= 0.003).
Conclusion: This study highlights that snake bites and scorpion stings are more prevalent in working-age males and during the summer. Educating the at-risk community and ensuring accurate registration of cases by the National Trauma Registration Program and WHO guidelines is recommended to develop effective preventive strategies.
