Analysis of the acute pesticide poisoning surveillance system, Dominican Republic, 2016-2020.
- Toxicology
Background
99% of cases and deaths from Acute Pesticide Poisoning (APP) occur in developing countries, Latin America contributes 75% (PAHO, 2002). In the Dominican Republic, APP research is limited and outbreak investigations do not conclude results. Our objective was to describe the cases of APP epidemiologically, to provide recommendations.
Methods
We conducted a descriptive study of PJI cases and outbreaks reported to the National Epidemiological Surveillance System (SINAVE) for the 2016-2020 period. From the occupation and occupational activity variables, we constructed the risk activity variable. We calculated cumulative incidence rates (IR) per 100,000 inhabitants, lethality, ratio, percentages, median and range.
Results
493 cases and 41 outbreaks were analyzed. Higher IR in 2018 (1.5 cases/100,000), lethality in 2020 was 18%(12/66); highest notification of cases occurs in the first semester of each year (28%). The provinces with the highest IR were: María Trinidad Sánchez (7.8) and Azua (4.5). Cibao North and Northeast region reports higher lethality with 27%(11/41) and 22%(9/41) both agricultural. The ratio of cases and lethality male: female 1.5:1 and 1.9:1. The median age was 33 years (range 1-92). 21% (103/493) had secondary education, 50%(249/493) without social security. 26%(128/493) reported some risk activity. Of the outbreaks, 41.5%(17/41) occurred in 2019, 63%(26/41) reported in the first 24 hours, and 76%(31/41) occurred in schools. The outbreak database did not document risk factors.
Conclusion
Greater magnitude and severity in agricultural territories and crop season; higher frequency of cases and lethality in men of productive age. Increased notification and investigations of outbreaks in 2019. Little useful information in the description of outbreaks. It is recommended to investigate factors related to the occurrence of APP, especially in schools.
99% of cases and deaths from Acute Pesticide Poisoning (APP) occur in developing countries, Latin America contributes 75% (PAHO, 2002). In the Dominican Republic, APP research is limited and outbreak investigations do not conclude results. Our objective was to describe the cases of APP epidemiologically, to provide recommendations.
Methods
We conducted a descriptive study of PJI cases and outbreaks reported to the National Epidemiological Surveillance System (SINAVE) for the 2016-2020 period. From the occupation and occupational activity variables, we constructed the risk activity variable. We calculated cumulative incidence rates (IR) per 100,000 inhabitants, lethality, ratio, percentages, median and range.
Results
493 cases and 41 outbreaks were analyzed. Higher IR in 2018 (1.5 cases/100,000), lethality in 2020 was 18%(12/66); highest notification of cases occurs in the first semester of each year (28%). The provinces with the highest IR were: María Trinidad Sánchez (7.8) and Azua (4.5). Cibao North and Northeast region reports higher lethality with 27%(11/41) and 22%(9/41) both agricultural. The ratio of cases and lethality male: female 1.5:1 and 1.9:1. The median age was 33 years (range 1-92). 21% (103/493) had secondary education, 50%(249/493) without social security. 26%(128/493) reported some risk activity. Of the outbreaks, 41.5%(17/41) occurred in 2019, 63%(26/41) reported in the first 24 hours, and 76%(31/41) occurred in schools. The outbreak database did not document risk factors.
Conclusion
Greater magnitude and severity in agricultural territories and crop season; higher frequency of cases and lethality in men of productive age. Increased notification and investigations of outbreaks in 2019. Little useful information in the description of outbreaks. It is recommended to investigate factors related to the occurrence of APP, especially in schools.