Snakebites in Rural Areas of Brazil by Race: Indigenous the Most Exposed Group

Abstract

Animal stings are environmental hazards that threaten millions annually and cause a significant socioeconomic impact. Snakebite envenoming affects 2.7 million people globally every year, mostly the poorest and rural communities, with approximately 27,000 annual cases in Brazil. This study’s objective is to identify the most exposed racial group for snakebites in rural areas of Brazil and analyze possible differences in the outcome of an accident. A retrospective epidemiological study was conducted using a database of rural snakebite cases from Brazil’s Ministry of Health (2017). Descriptive analysis and a regression model were performed to examine the association of bad outcomes after a snakebite with several covariables. While mixed-race individuals presented the highest number of cases (61.79%), indigenous and white populations were the racial groups with the highest and lowest exposure rates (194.3 and 34.1 per 100,000 population, respectively). The fatality rate was 3.5 times higher in the indigenous population compared to the white population. In the multivariable model, the number of hours between the accident and health care received and the case classification suggested an association with a bad outcome. Snakebite is prominent in Brazil, particularly among indigenous groups. Antivenom is available in the Brazilian Health System; however, efforts need to be made for decentralization.

Sociodemographic profile of patients with snakebite in Jharkhand

“…A study conducted in Brazil also showed that the majority of the snake bite cases were indigenous people of Brazil. 27 The finding of the present study is in consonance with the finding of this study. It is inferred that as tribal people are more exposed to natural set up and they are more prominently engaged in primary sector for their subsistence, they are at more risk for snake bite.…”

Perspectives on snakebite envenoming care needs across different sociocultural contexts and health systems: A comparative qualitative analysis among US and Brazilian health providers

“…In BR, cost is not a patient problem, but time-to-care for rural, indigenous, and agricultural populations result in disproportionate SBE burden ( Schneider et al, 2021a ). Further, within rural areas, SBE fatality rate in indigenous populations is 3.5 times higher than their nonindigenous counterparts ( Schneider et al, 2021b ). These are health system issues, but health providers in BR emphasized improving care through provider training and education.…”

“Two Cultures in Favor of a Dying Patient”: Experiences of Health Care Professionals Providing Snakebite Care to Indigenous Peoples in the Brazilian Amazon

“…Indigenous populations in the Brazilian Amazon experience additional inequities related to SBEs [ 11 , 12 , 13 ]. Compared to the general population, indigenous peoples are 7.5 [ 9 ] to 11 [ 14 ] times more likely to experience an SBE and 3.5 times more likely to die as a result [ 15 ]. Deaths and disabilities from SBEs are a major and neglected problem for this population, which includes approximately 550,000 people distributed in over 100 ethnicities [ 16 ].…”