Citation

Cheng TL, Wright JL, Pearson-Fields AS, Brenner RA. Inj. Prev. 2006; 12(2): 129-132.

Affiliation

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/ip.2005.010710

PMID

16595430

PMCID

PMC2564440

Abstract

AIM: Among adolescents, poisoning is a leading cause of injury mortality in the United States. This study describes the epidemiology of poisonings, intoxication, and maladaptive effects of drugs among adolescents age 10-19 years in a large city. METHODS: An injury surveillance system used records at seven hospitals, medical examiner records, and vital records over a two year period. RESULTS: Of 633 cases (618 injuries/100 000/year), 6% were unintentional, 36% self-inflicted, 41% alcohol intoxication, and 15% maladaptive effects of drugs. Alcohol was involved in 45% of cases, 23% illegal drugs, 23% non-prescription drugs, 19% prescription drugs; 19% involved more than one substance. Hospitalization was required in 20%; 8% transferred to another hospital; one died from intoxication. The authors found high rates of self-inflicted poisoning, intoxication, and maladaptive effects of drugs among this urban population. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the need to broadly define poisonings among adolescents and the challenge of assessing intent in some cases.

Language: en