Snakebite knowledge among healthcare workers in Gabon: A health facility-based cross-sectional survey

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  Snakebite knowledge among healthcare workers in Gabon: A health facility-based cross-sectional survey Abstract Background Snakebite envenoming remains a neglected health issue in many countries, including Gabon, where the limited availability of snakebite-specific training, clinical guidelines, and essential resources at health facilities may lead to gaps in healthcare workers’ knowledge and confidence and the use of non-recommended treatment practices. This study aimed to assess healthcare workers’ knowledge of snakebite management in the Ogooué et des Lacs department of Moyen-Ogooué province in Gabon. Methods From June to August 2023, we conducted a cross-sectional survey targeting all healthcare workers in Ogooué et des Lacs who may be involved in snakebite management. We collected information on prior training, self-perceived knowledge of snakebite management, symptom recognition, clinical management practices, and snake identification. Knowledge was assessed using 10 true/fa...

Modeling the time series of Scorpion sting in Southwestern Iran

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Modeling the time series of Scorpion sting in Southwestern Iran

Abstract

Scorpion stings pose a significant public health concern in Iran, resulting in approximately 45,000-50,000 cases and 19 deaths annually. Scorpions, belonging to the Arachnida class, are venomous arthropods found in all continents except Antarctica. They are of particular concern in tropical and subtropical regions. The Khuzestan and Hormozgan provinces have the highest reported incidence, with an estimated 36,000 cases each year. This study focused on modeling the time series data of scorpion stings specifically in Shoushtar city from 2017 to 2022. Our objective was to investigate the presence of seasonality and long-term trends in the incidence of scorpion stings by utilizing advanced analytical techniques such as the Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model. We applied the Seasonal ARIMA model to fit a univariate time series of scorpion sting incidence. This study revealed a significant seasonal trend and an overall increase and decrease in scorpion sting cases during the study period. The best-fitting model for the available data was a seasonal ARIMA model in the form of ARIMA (0,0,1) (1,1,1)12. This model can forecast the frequency of scorpion sting cases in Southwestern Iran over the next two years. As a result, Time series analysis can provide valuable insights into the patterns and trends of Scorpion sting incidents, allowing for better planning and allocation of healthcare resources. By understanding the seasonal variations, proactive measures can be implemented to address the growing issue of Scorpion stings in Iran effectively.

Rostampor, F., Mousavi, S. A., Heidari, M., Faramarzi, A., Rashidi, H., Shojaei, S., Barati, B. (2024). 'Modeling the time series of Scorpion sting in Southwestern Iran', Archives of Razi Institute, 79(3), pp. 651-658. doi: 10.32592/ARI.2024.79.3.651