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Journal Article

Citation

Thoonen IMJ, Rietjens SJ, van Velzen AG, de Lange DW, Koppen A. Clin. Toxicol. (Phila) 2024; 62(1): 39-45.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2024, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15563650.2024.2310153

PMID

38421361

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: In the past decade, the number of deliberate self-poisonings involving young people has increased strongly worldwide. This study aimed to gain insight into risk factors associated with deliberate self-poisonings among children and adolescents reported to the Dutch Poisons Information Center.

METHODS: A study was performed between 1 February 2022 and 31 January 2023 involving those aged 8-17 years of age with deliberate self-poisoning. Data were collected on patient characteristics (age, gender, body mass index and living situation) and exposure characteristics (type of toxicant, way of acquiring toxicant and day of exposure).

RESULTS: The Dutch Poisons Information Center was consulted about 1,424 deliberate self-poisonings among children and adolescents (10-17 years old). A high percentage of patients were female (85 percent), had a body mass index classified as overweight/obese (27 percent) and lived in a mental healthcare facility (13 percent). Patients mainly exposed themselves to pharmaceuticals, especially over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol (46 percent) and ibuprofen (15 percent). Young people living with parents/caregivers had higher odds of ingesting prescription pharmaceuticals or over-the-counter medication, while those living in a mental healthcare facility were more likely to ingest household products, personal care products or foreign bodies (predominantly batteries).

DISCUSSION: This study sheds light on the pervasive issue of deliberate self-poisoning among children and adolescents, advocating for poisoning prevention strategies and promoting mental health of youth. Limitations include reliance on self-reported data from patients and the absence of clinical outcome data.

CONCLUSIONS: Female gender, a high body mass index and living in a mental healthcare facility are associated with in increased risk of deliberate self-poisonings in children and adolescents (10-17 years old). Prevention of deliberate self-poisonings among youth could focus on restricting access to medication and other potentially hazardous non-pharmaceuticals, such as household products and batteries, as well as limiting the sales of over-the-counter medication, especially paracetamol, to this young population.


Language: en

Keywords

*Acetaminophen; *Poisons; adolescent; Adolescent; child; Child; deliberate; Female; Humans; intoxication; Male; Netherlands/epidemiology; overdose; Pharmaceutical Preparations; risk factors; Risk Factors; self-harm; Self-poisoning

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