Exogenous intoxication by "chumbinho"(lead) as a form of self-extermination in the State of Goiás (Brazil), 2003 - 2007

Abstract

doi: 10.5216/ree.v12i4.6471

The exogenous intoxication by "chumbinho"(lead) is considered an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Brazil because of the easy access, low cost and its effectiveness against the attempts of suicide becoming a public health problem. In the State of Goiás, there is no surveys on this type of intoxication caused intentionally designating this investigation. That´s a descriptive study, retrospective documentary with a quantitative approach, aiming to establish the profile of victims in attempts to self-extermination in the State of Goiás from 2003 to 2007. Of the 537 recorded files 296 were recorded cases of intentional intoxication by exogenous lead, the highest occurrences were in 2006 (33.44%) and in 2007 (28.4%), in the urban area was (90.88%), women (52.36%) and from 19 to 25 years old (26.35%). Remained hospitalized for more than 24 hours 76.35% of the cases, while 79.07% of the cases were cured and 5.74% died. So it concludes the need for the nurses to carry out health education in the community warning all of the risks of inappropriate use of the lead ("chumbinho") And still, should be a greater awareness by these professionals in the form how they fill in the compulsory notification.

Descriptors: Aldicarb; Public Health; Suicide, Attempted; Pesticides.