Development of Sentinel Sites for Arsenicosis Surveillance and Assessment of Prevalence of Arsenicosis in Nepal

Abstract

Background: Globally, Arsenicosis also referred as Arsenism, is an important non-communicable diseases resulting from the ingestion of groundwater containing unsafe level of arsenic. Arsenicosis is appeared as a public health problem in Terai region of Nepal. The main objective of this study is to develop sentinel sites for Arsenicosis surveillance and assessment of prevalence of Arsenicosis in Nepal. Methods: The methodology included formation of steering committee, organization of consultative workshop and development of sentinel sites. The reported data from local dermatologists were entered into Excel sheet and were analyzed in Statistical Package for Social Science version 13 in windows. Results: Arsenicosis id developed due to chronic exposure of arsenic above the safe dose. Out of 69 patients, 29 cases were found to be suspected arsenicosis and among them, 29 were probable arsenicosis with both melanoma and keratosis. The analysis of arsenicosis by sex revealed that more cases were male than female. Similarly the analysis showed that the arsenicosis cases were found in older age than earlier. Most of arsenicosis were the residence of Parsa and Bara districts. The arsenicosis cases were also from India. Conclusions: More arsenicosis cases were reported from male group and from older age. The trainings for both paramedics of periphery level as well as training to dermatologists of referral center is very important. There is an urgent need to develop sentinel sites in arsenic hot spots. There is also need of laboratory facilities for confirmation of probable case. Keywords: arsenicosis; cases; exposure; keratosis; melanoma; sentinel sites; surveillance.