Spatial distribution of scorpions according to the socioeconomic conditions in Campina Grande,State of Paraíba, Brazil.
BACKGROUND
Due to its frequency and morbidity, such as that caused by scorpions have achieved public health importance in certain regions of the world. The present exploratory ecological study aimed to characterize the epidemiological profile and spatial distribution of scorpion stings in Campina Grande, State of Paraíba in Northeastern Brazil.


METHODS
Geographical information system techniques were used to record the scorpion stings, and Google Earth software, Track Maker, and ArcGIS 10 Esri were used as geocoding databases. The Moran test was used to evaluate spatial correlation, and the Pearson chi-square test was used to analyze associations between scorpion stings and socioeconomic variables.


RESULTS
The study evaluated 1,466 scorpion stings. Envenomations were more frequent among women (n = 908, 61.9%), and most patients were aged 13-28 years (n = 428, 29.2%). The Southern region of the city had the largest number of registered cases (n = 548, 37.4%), followed by the Western region (n = 510, 34.8%).


CONCLUSIONS
Spatial analysis of scorpionism revealed an irregular occurrence in Campina Grande. Further, no association was observed between the socioeconomic factors analyzed and the geographic location of the scorpion envenomations. Detection of spatial areas with an increased risk of scorpionism can help prioritize adoption of preventive measures in these regions to reduce the associated incidence and morbidity.
Programa de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu em Saúde Coletiva, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil.|Programa de Pós-Graduação Stricto Sensu em Inovação Terapêutica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
Thassiany Sarmento Oliveira de
TS
Almeida
Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil.
Sayonara Maria Lia
SM
Fook
Departamento de Moléstias Infecciosas e Parasitárias, , Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Francisco Oscar de Siqueira
FO
França
Departamento de Enfermagem, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil.
Tânia Maria Ribeiro
TM
Monteiro
Departamento de Estatística, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil.
Edwirde Luiz
EL
Silva
Instituto Federal da Paraíba, Picuí, Paraíba, Brazil.
Lidiane Cristina Félix
LC
Gomes
Departamento de Farmácia, Universidade Estadual da Paraíba, Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil.
Aline Maiara Galdino
AM
Farias
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D040362:Geographic Information Systems; D062305:Geographic Mapping; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011156:Population Density; D065008:Scorpion Stings / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012605:Scorpions; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D055815:Young Adult