TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2006//
TI  - The spectrum of intoxication and poisonings among adolescents: surveillance in an urban population
JO  - Injury prevention
A1  - Cheng, Tina L.
A1  - Wright, J. L.
A1  - Pearson-Fields, Amari Sokoya
A1  - Brenner, Ruth A.
SP  - 129
EP  - 132
VL  - 12
IS  - 2
N2  - 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.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1353-8047
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/ip.2005.010710
ID  - ref1
ER  -