Citation

Robinson T, Tarzi C, Zhou XG, Bailey K. J. Pediatr. Surg. 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

McMaster Pediatric Surgery Research Collaborative, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Division of Pediatric General Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; McMaster Children's Hospital, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: kbailey@mcmaster.ca.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2020.01.042

PMID

32061364

Abstract

PURPOSE: Alcohol and drug use in adolescence is associated with traumatic injuries. This study aimed to assess the rates of screening for substance use in pediatric trauma patients presenting at a single Canadian center.

METHODS: A retrospective chart review of pediatric trauma patients (aged 12-17) was performed. Injury specifics, rates of patients screened for alcohol and/or substance use, and screening outcomes were determined. Patients screened were compared to those not screened. Continuous variables were analyzed using independent samples t-tests and categorical using chi-square. Significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS: Three hundred twenty-seven patients were included, with 217(66%) being male. The average age was 14.6 years (±1.5). Traffic collisions accounted for 50% of injuries. A blood alcohol test was conducted for significantly more patients (199, 61%) than a urine drug screen (55, 17%; p < 0.001). Of those screened, 27/199(14%) tested positive for alcohol and 29/55(53%) for drugs. Older age and increased injury severity were associated with being screened for drugs (p = 0.000, p = 0.050). Only 39% of patients with positive screening tests were referred on to secondary services such as inpatient psychiatry or social work.

CONCLUSION: Screening rates remain low. Institutional guidelines for alcohol and drug screening in trauma patients should be instituted to avoid random screening and underestimations of substance involvement. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective Chart Review. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Language: en

Keywords

Adolescence; Alcohol; Screening; Substance use; Trauma