Faculty Collaboration Database

Adolescent hospital discharges associated with self-poisonings in Wisconsin, 2000-2002. WMJ 2005 Sep;104(7):59-64

Date

11/22/2005

Pubmed ID

16294602

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-31444441930 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   7 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the Wisconsin adolescent self-poisoning problem, using state discharge data on medication-related self-inflicted injuries, focusing on medications used and risk factors.

METHODS: Wisconsin inpatient discharge files for 3 years (January 1, 2000-December 31, 2002) were evaluated. Medication-related injuries were analyzed for intentionality, medications used, discharge status, and risk factors such as mental illness, eating disorders, and alcohol abuse or dependence.

RESULTS: There were nearly 3000 medication-related injury hospitalizations--1150 of them self-poisoning hospitalizations--among Wisconsin 12-17 year olds during 2000-2002. Females 12-17 years had twice as many medication-related injuries as males. Sixty percent of medication-related injuries occurred in patients with a mental disorder diagnosis. Non-narcotic analgesics were most commonly used and had one of the highest rates of intentionality (65%). A large proportion of intentional/suicidal medication-related injuries were discharged to another facility (35%), compared to 14% among all medical injuries. Males with medication-related injuries were twice (95% CI: 1.60, 2.75) as likely and females 1.4 (95% CI: 1.2, 1.6) times as likely to have intentional/suicidal injuries if they also abused or depended on alcohol.

CONCLUSIONS: Given that a nonfatal suicide attempt is the strongest predictor of eventual suicide, the hundreds of self-poisoning discharges per year in Wisconsin 12-17 year olds is a serious public health concern. Both the medical community and public health community should heed the warnings of these nonfatal suicide attempts and implement educational programs addressing this issue.

Author List

Marbella AM, Yang H, Guse CE, Meurer JR, Layde PM

Author

John R. Meurer MD, MBA Institute Director, Professor in the Institute for Health and Equity department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Adolescent Behavior
Child
Female
Humans
Male
Patient Discharge
Poisoning
Risk Factors
Self-Injurious Behavior
Wisconsin