Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Residents in Southeastern Iran Regarding Scorpion Stings

Background and Objectives: This study aims to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of residents in south of Kerman province in Iran regarding scorpion sting and the factors affecting its prevalence. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2020 on 384 people living in south of Kerman province, Iran. A KAP questionnaire was used which surveyed the necessary information regarding the familiarity of residents with scorpions, the level of exposure to scorpions and effective factors, and knowledge of basic measures against scorpion stings. The questionnaire was completed through an interview. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The results showed the participants’ high knowledge of scorpion shelters (87.9%). Their most common measures in dealing with scorpion stings were hospitalization, use of cold compresses, moving away from the scene, covering the sting area with a cloth, washing the sting site, and applying pressure over the sting site. Most of participants (81.6%) suggested that spraying insecticides and the use of petroleum products were the main methods for getting rid of scorpions. About 31% had belief in traditional medicine. Most of them (73.5%) had found scorpions in their houses and 36.7% reported a history of scorpion sting in the family members. Most of them (64%) had got stung indoors. Moreover, 74.8% of them had houses with no walls or with unfavorable fencing, and for 78.3%, they were not safe in terms of scorpions entering. Conclusion: The measures and training for prevention and control of scorpion stings in south of Kerman province are necessary due to the high exposure of residents to scorpions indoors, the unsafety of their houses, and lack of compliance to preventive measures.