Social and economic variables related with Paraquat self-poisoning: an ecological study

Abstract

Background: Paraquat self-poisonings constitute a significant contributor to the global burden of suicide. Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between social and economic variables with the incidence of self-poisoning with Paraquat in the northeast of Colombia. Methods: Records of 154 cases of self-poisoning with Paraquat and several socioeconomic variables of six regions of northeast of Colombia were analyzed. Results: Most of the cases were mestizos, farmworkers, between 20 and 29 years, with intentional exposure using the oral route. Multivariate analyses revealed significant associations among the incidence of self-poisoning with PQ with the ecological factors such as poverty greater than 30% (IRR 15.9 IC95% 5.56-44.72), land Gini index < 0.7 (IRR 7.11 IC95% 3.58-14.12), private health insurance < 40% (IRR 3.39 IC95% 1.30-8.82) and planted area > 10% (IRR 2.47 IC95% 1.60-3.80). Conclusion: There is a relationship between ecological factors and, as such, this study opens the way to further developments in the field.

Acute Pesticide Poisoning in Tobacco Farming, According to Different Criteria

“…Inverse association between tobacco production and pesticide poisoning is consistent with the literature, which indicates that poorer socioeconomic conditions are related to poorer health conditions [42,43]. Farms with better economic indicators usually have a better level of technology, including pesticide application equipment, more adequate personal protection equipment, and better agricultural practices, implying a reduction in exposure.…”

Características sociodemográficas y clínicas relacionadas con la condición final de pacientes intoxicados por paraquat en un hospital del suroccidente de Colombia

“…Se encontraron varias publicaciones en la región de Antioquia referentes a la intoxicación con paraquat 34 , 49 , 50 . En un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo de 67 casos durante siete años, se reportaron como factores relacionados con la mortalidad: dosis ingerida, carácter intencional de la ingestión, edad, ser hombre y elevación de algunos parámetros de laboratorios 34 .…”