Acute pesticide poisonings epidemiology in El Salvador

Abstract

Introduction. The extended distribution of pesticide facilitates the increase of pesticide poisoning in the developing countries. A rate of 35 × 100 000 people was reported in El Salvador.
Objective. To describe the epidemiological situation of acute pesticide poisonings, registered in the public health system of El Salvador between 2012 and 2015.
Methods. A cross sectional study that includes 5988 persons. The variables were evaluated through absolute value and percentage. The incidence rate per 100 000 habitants, was calculated. Spatial analysis was made through choropleth maps.
Results. The annual mean of intoxicated was 1497. The most affected people have a mean of age of 31 years old (SD 17.2) mainly men (68.6%) from the rural area (74.7%). Almost half of intoxicated was a suicide attempt (48%) and 26.9 % was occupational intoxication. Most of 40 pesticides was identified as causative of intoxication. The 10.5 % of intoxicated died. The incidence rate was 94.6 × 100 000 people. In the 97 % of the municipalities was registered pesticide intoxication with a rate of 137.1 × 100 000 people.
Conclusion. The people of all ages were affected by the pesticide poisoning, mainly the young men from the rural areas, who use the pesticide for suicidal attempt and most of them died.