Citation

Wang GS, Leonard J, Cornell A, Hoyte C. J. Adolesc. Health 2022; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jadohealth.2022.07.014

PMID

36088226

Abstract

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate trends and characteristics in adolescent poison center (PC) exposure calls before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS: A retrospective review of PC calls for adolescents aged 13-17 years from January 1, 2018 through June 30, 2021.

RESULTS: During the pandemic, US PCs had a higher proportion of adolescent exposure calls managed in a healthcare facility (71.9% vs. 67.4%) and hospital admissions (27.2% vs. 25.7%) than prior to the pandemic. There was a higher proportion with suicide intent (55.8% vs. 48.8%), moderate/major clinical effects (22.8% vs. 20.1%), and deaths (0.07% vs. 0.05%). Monthly calls significantly increased from 30 calls/month to 204 calls/month (p <.001). The slope of hospital admissions significantly increased (0.19% per month, p <.001) during the pandemic.

DISCUSSION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, US PCs observed an increase in adolescent suicidal intent exposure calls with more severe outcomes, hospitalizations, and deaths.

Language: en

Keywords

Adolescents; Suicide; Mental health; COVID-19 pandemic; Poison center