ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: To prevent and manage the societal and economic burden of occupational diseases (ODs), countries should develop strong prevention policies, health surveillance and registry systems. This study aims to contribute to the improvement of OD surveillance at national level as well as to identify priority actions in Turkey. METHODS: The history and current status of occupational health studies were considered from the perspective of OD surveillance. Interpretative research was done through literature review on occupational health at national, regional and international level. Analyses were focused on countries' experiences in policy development and practice, roles and responsibilities of institutions, multidisciplinary and intersectoral collaboration. OD surveillance models of Turkey, Belgium and the Netherlands were examined through exchange visits. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to explore the peculiarities of legislative and institutional structures, the best and worst practices, and approach principles. RESULTS: Some countries are more focused on exploring OD trends through effective and cost-efficient researches, with particular attention to new and emerging ODs. Other countries try to reach every single case of OD for compensation and rehabilitation. Each practice has advantages and shortcomings, but they are not mutually exclusive, and thus an effective combination is possible. CONCLUSION: Effective surveillance and registry approaches play a key role in the prevention of ODs. A well-designed system enables monitoring and assessment of OD prevalence and trends, and adoption of preventive measures while improving the effectiveness of redressing and compensation. A robust surveillance does not only provide protection of workers' health but also advances prevention of economic losses.
ABSTRACT
In this study, the epidemiology and clinical findings of scorpion stings in the Sanliurfa province of Turkey was evaluated between May and September 2003. Data obtained from questionnaires was evaluated and the identification of scorpions collected from the region was carried out in the laboratory. It was determined that of the species of scorpions only Androctonus crassicauda was collected. This species plays the major role in 50.8% of scorpionism cases. This study also showed that intoxications caused by A. crassicauda in southeast Anatolia region were seen in the summer during the hot months especially in August. Females and people above 15 years of age were the most affected and they had been stung on the extremities. In clinical evaluations, it was found that 17.7% of the cases showed systemic effects and no deaths were reported. Also parasympathetic effects were more common in comparison to sympathetic effects.
