PROFILE OF EXOGENOUS DRUG POISONINGS IN PARAÍBA IN 2025

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the profile of exogenous drug poisonings in Paraíba in 2025 using a descriptive, retrospective, and quantitative epidemiological study method. Of the 7,122 exogenous poisonings registered in the state of Paraíba in 2025, 3,670, or 51.53%, were caused by medications, with an incidence of 88.127 per 100,000 inhabitants. The largest number of poisoning cases, 62.86%, were caused by suicide attempts. Poisonings due to accidents, abuse, and self-medication totaled 663, or 18.07% of the reported cases. It is concluded, therefore, that drug poisonings are multifactorial problems related to the irrational use of medications, self-medication, and social and mental health factors, making it essential to strengthen health education actions and expand public policies focused on mental health and suicide prevention.