Epidemiological characteristics and incidence rate of definite scorpion stings in Mahshahr County, Iran: multivariate analysis of 1 635 cases

ObjectiveTo study the epidemiology of scorpion stings in Mahshahr County during 1997–2001.MethodsThis descriptive study was based on 1 635 subjects from Mahshahr County who were admitted to the health services centers in Mahshahr with definite scorpion stings during the 5-year period between 1997 to 2001. A questionnaire was distributed to physicians to gather patient information. Data taken from the questionnaires about these cases were analyzed with SPSS software.ResultsThe frequency of cases was higher during 1998 (24.6%) and 1999 (23.1%). The average incidence was calculated 1.62 per 1 000 population for the mentioned years. A total of 1 034 (63.2%) cases were reported from urban areas. Frequency distribution of cases of scorpion stings by seasons included: spring (26.6%), summer (50.9%), autumn (19.9%) and winter (2.6%). The incidence of scorpion stings was found to be higher among males (63.6%). The most common sting site was foot (54.8%). With respect to the age, it was shown that the 21–30 and 31–40 age groups presented more scorpion stings 24.8% and 22.1%, respectively.ConclusionsA well-being training schedule might be beneficial in protecting scorpion stings by utilization of shoes, gloves, clothes, care in handling stones and other objects. The higher incidence of injuries among those over 11 years of age conducts the consideration to outdoor sting. This is mostly due to their job and their custom of pleasure leisure time. This is also observed from increasing frequency of stings during summer (50.9%), spring (26.6%), autumn (19.9%) rather than winter (2.6%).