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Review
. 2025 Jul-Sep;32(3):186-197.
doi: 10.4103/jfcm.jfcm_337_24. Epub 2025 Jul 14.

Prevalence of toxin exposure in regions of Saudi Arabia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Mohammed A Aljumaan  1 , Amal H Alsulaibikh  1
Affiliations
Review

Prevalence of toxin exposure in regions of Saudi Arabia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Mohammed A Aljumaan et al. J Family Community Med. 2025 Jul-Sep.

Abstract

Poisoning is a growing significant concern globally. The increased use of industrial and household chemicals, together with widespread consumption of pharmaceuticals and processed foods, elevates the risk of toxic exposure worldwide. This study aimed to assess the frequency of toxic exposure by examining poisoning events in different regions of Saudi Arabia. A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify studies on toxins and their prevalence in Saudi Arabia from 2004 to 2024. A meta-analysis was performed using R software, and the AXIS risk of bias was evaluated. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, and eleven of these contributed data to the meta-analysis. Pooled prevalence for synthetic drugs was: cannabis 0.40 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13-0.75), amphetamines 0.34 (95% CI: 0.05-0.85), and solvents 0.04 (95% CI: 0.02-0.07). Pooled prevalence for industrial chemicals was: chemical poisoning 0.16 (95% CI: 0.10-0.25), drug overdose 0.51 (95% CI: 0.38-0.65), and food 0.26 (95% CI: 0.22-0.29). Pooled prevalence for natural toxins was: carbon monoxide 0.76 (95% CI: 0.66-0.85), botulinum 0.42 (95% CI: 0.20-0.67), and scorpion stings 0.72 (95% CI: 0.24-0.95). The study highlights the diverse substances that cause acute poisoning in Saudi Arabia, with regional variations in toxin types and associated risks. Carbon monoxide was the most prevalent natural toxin (0.76), followed by scorpion stings (0.72). Drug overdose showed the highest prevalence of synthetic and chemical agents (0.51). Other notable toxins included botulinum (0.42), cannabis (0.40), and amphetamines (0.34). Industrial chemicals (0.16) and food-related toxins (0.26) also contributed to the issue. The findings highlight the need for public education programs on safe chemical and drug use. The future research should focus on risk factors, prevention, and the improvement of access to medical care.

Keywords: Exposure; Saudi Arabia; prevalence; toxins.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses flow diagram
Figure 2
Figure 2
Forest plot for prevalence of poisoning due to synthetic drugs
Figure 3
Figure 3
Forest plot for prevalence of poisoning due to industrial chemicals and pesticides
Figure 4
Figure 4
Forest plot for prevalence of poisoning due to natural toxins
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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