An Epidemiological Study on Scorpion Stings in Khuzestan Province (Haft Gel region), 2011-2012

Scorpion stings are one of the major health problems in many tropical and developing countries. In Iran, especially the southern regions of the country, scorpion sting is one of the most important health issues; such a way that Khuzestan province is one of the most important foci of scorpion sting. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the epidemiological characteristics of the individuals bitten by scorpions in Haft gel region, Khuzestan province.
This cross-sectional study aimed at reviewing the medical records of the patients referring to the health center of Haft gel region, Khuzestan province within 2011-2012. The information about the study patients was extracted from their records and was entered into a checklist. Then, the data were entered into the SPSS statistical software (v. 19) and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, and Fisher’s exact test.
Among the 459 cases, 48.4% and 51.6% were related to 2011 and 2012, respectively. Besides, 52% of the cases were male and 48% were female. The mean age of the male and female patients was 29.62±17.06 and 32.02±17.4 years, respectively. The highest and lowest percentages of bites were related to 20-29 and 60-69 year old age groups, respectively. In addition, 39.7%, 38.6%, 5.1%, and 16.5% of the bites were related to hands, feet, head and neck, and trunk, respectively. Moreover, the highest prevalence of scorpion stings was reported from June to September. The majority of the patients lived in urban areas and was homemaker. Furthermore, the case was caused by yellow, black, and uncertain scorpions in 52.4%, 32.1%, and 15.5% of the patients, respectively.
Based on the findings, males more than females, younger age groups, hands and feet, and urban areas were at a higher risk of scorpion stings, especially in warm months. Therefore, families, particularly those living in urban areas, should be trained regarding safety and proper use of cover when walking.