Introduction: Due to its frequency and morbidity, such as that caused by scorpions have achieved public health importance in certain regions of the world. The present exploratory ecological study aimed to characterize the epidemiological profi le and spatial distribution of scorpion stings in Campina Grande, State of Paraíba in Northeastern Brazil. Methods: Geographical information system techniques were used to record the scorpion stings, and Google Earth software, Track Maker, and ArcGIS 10 Esri were used as geocoding databases. The Moran test was used to evaluate spatial correlation, and the Pearson chi-square test was used to analyze associations between scorpion stings and socioeconomic variables. Results: The study evaluated 1,466 scorpion stings. Envenomations were more frequent among women (n = 908, 61.9%), and most patients were aged 13-28 years (n = 428, 29.2%). The Southern region of the city had the largest number of registered cases (n = 548, 37.4%), followed by the Western region (n = 510, 34.8%). Conclusions: Spatial analysis of scorpionism revealed an irregular occurrence in Campina Grande. Further, no association was observed between the socioeconomic factors analyzed and the geographic location of the scorpion envenomations. Detection of spatial areas with an increased risk of scorpionism can help prioritize adoption of preventive measures in these regions to reduce the associated incidence and morbidity.

In order to study data about suicide attempts and do the mapping of occurrence areas, it was developed an ecologic and exploring study, making use of techniques of geoprocessing, based on confirmed cases of suicide attempts. Cases of self-poisoning were included in the urban area of Campina Grande county, in the period of 2010-2013. A total of 446 suicide attempts were geo-referred, pointing up an incidence of 120 cases out of each 100,000 inhabitants. The sample was mostly feminine (66.4%), and 62.3% being up to 30 years old. Kernel's map remarked hot spot areas. Compared to surrounding areas the suicide risk of populations within the hot spots was increased (38%; Relative Risk = 1.38; p= 0.0029), with an average estimative of 165 suicide attempts out of 100,000 inhabitants. Through identification of hot spots and index of living conditions of the neighborhoods, it is possible to set priorities in terms of public policies for the prevention of suicide attempts and control of the marketing of substances that are potentially toxic.

Objective: The relationship between the geographical space and the incidence of scorpion accidents in the context of vulnerability was questioned in the present study through the application of geoprocessing techniques. Methods: In order to recognize vulnerable groups, an ecological study was developed using spatial data analysis techniques of area. Results: A total of 631 cases of scorpion accidents occurred in Campina Grande/Paraíba/Brazil, with an incidence of 154.7 accidents/100,000 inhabitants and an average distance of 0.897 hm between the cases; thus, verifying the possible relationship between accidents and the vulnerability index. Conclusion: Social vulnerability was evidenced by the magnitude in scorpion accidents, considering a higher probability (of attacks) in the most vulnerable areas; therefore, it was possible to verify that the occurrence of scorpion accidents is strongly connected to social factors, and that neighborhoods that have a population with low purchasing power, low schooling and no infrastructure were the most affected.

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