title: The epidemiology of scorpion stings in tropical areas of Kermanshah province, Iran, during 2008 and 2009.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Scorpion stings are an acute health problem in tropical regions. Awareness of this problem is fundamental for establishing preventive interventions, thus prompting the present study to determine the scorpion-sting incidence in tropical areas of Kermanshah province during 2008 and 2009.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a retrospective study, all records related to scorpion sting patients from the health centers of tropical areas of Kermanshah were studied by a census and checklist. Data were analyzed by the software SPSS-16 using descriptive and inferential tests.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The incidence of scorpion stings was 334.37/100,000 inhabitants in 2008 and 339.07/100000 in 2009. Mean and standard deviation of age were 30.55 ± 16.99. Scorpion stings were more common in rural areas (59.6 %) and occurred more often in summer (52.9 %). Nearly 48 % of bites were to patients' hands and 47.5 % of patients were injured between midnight and 6 a.m. While 92.9 % of patients had mild symptoms, scorpion antivenom was prescribed to 88.8 % of victims, 94.5 % of whom were discharged after outpatient treatment. The relationship between antivenom therapy and clinical symptoms was not significant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Due to the relatively high incidence of scorpion stings in tropical areas of Kermanshah, it is recommended that the inhabitants be educated through the mass media about how to prevent the stings and apply preliminary treatment.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
authors.forename: Alireza
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Khatony
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
authors.forename: Alireza
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Abdi
authors.affiliation: Abolfazl Hospital of Ghasre-shirin, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
authors.forename: Tahereh
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Fatahpour
authors.affiliation: Imam Reza Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
authors.forename: Farhad
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Towhidi
keywords: Epidemiology; Incidence; Kermanshah; Scorpion stings; Tropical climate