EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF EXOGENOUS POISONING CASES IN THE STATE OF PIUAÍ FROM 2017 TO 2022

• DOI: >https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1594752412081

• Palavras-chave: Exogenous poisonings; public health; epidemiology; biostatistics; suicide.

• Keywords: Exogenous poisonings; public health; epidemiology; biostatistics; suicide.

• Abstract:

  Exogenous poisoning (IE) represents a set of clinical and symptomatic manifestations resulting from exposure to harmful chemical substances, being a global public health problem that causes morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological profile of IE in the state of Piauí, classifying cases by sex, age group, toxic agent, circumstance and evolution. An epidemiological, documentary, observational, applied, descriptive and quantitative study was used, based on data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) accessed via DATASUS. The collected data was organized and analyzed with basic statistics, being presented in tables and graphs. The results showed a total of 10,788 cases of IE in Piauí between 2017 and 2022, with an annual average of 1,798 cases. The highest number of cases occurred in 2019 (22.58%), and the lowest in 2020 (12.48%), possibly due to underreporting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Women were most affected (64.01%) and the most common age group was 20 to 39 years old (40.45%). The main circumstance of EI was attempted suicide (47.70%), with medications being the most common toxic agents (58.95%). The majority of cases were confirmed by clinical criteria (64.18%) and the most common outcome was cure without sequelae (62.90%). Data analysis revealed that young women are more prone to EI, mainly due to suicide attempts using medication. These findings corroborate previous studies that show a tropism towards the female gender and the use of medication for self-extermination. Furthermore, the results highlight the importance of rapid clinical diagnosis for effective treatment. Final considerations indicate that the majority of EI cases are associated with mental disorders, suggesting the need to optimize mental health programs in primary care to prevent suicide attempts. Although the study showed the reality of EI in Piauí, the analysis was hampered by incomplete data. It is hoped that this study will contribute to the literature and encourage the structuring of effective public policies for the prevention and treatment of EI.