Research report: susto and pesticide poisoning among Florida farmworkers

Abstract

This paper discusses research designed to investigate farmworker interpretation of a serious incident of pesticide poisoning, specifically, whether this incident was considered to precipitate the Mexican folk illness "susto." The study revealed that a total of 23% of the population interviewed felt that they definitely or possibly had developed susto as a result of the pesticide exposure. These patients complained of more residual symptoms from the pesticide exposure than did those who had been affected by the poisoning but who did not feel they suffered from susto. The findings have implications for medical providers working with these populations. A self diagnosis of "susto" may indicate that a patient is indeed sicker than other indicators suggest, and point to a need for increased follow-up.