Objectives: Medical Examiner's Data were analyzed to examine recent trends in poisoning deaths.
Methods: Eight years (1990-1997) of poisoning deaths were abstracted from state death records for San Diego County. Analysis of intent, type of poison and victim demographics was performed to determine who was at greatest risk. Rates were calculated per 100,000 population.
Results: During the past eight years there were 2, 025 poisoning deaths in San Diego County. Of these, 65% were unintentional, 32% suicides, 2% undetermined cause and less than one percent homicide. More people have died in the past eight years due to poisoning than to motor vehicle occupant crashes, 2,025 compared to 1,507 (9.67 and 7.19 respectively).
Males accounted for 72% of all poisoning deaths (13.64) compared to females (5.56).
Unintentional poisoning deaths increased 47% since 1990. Males accounted for 80% of these deaths and Heroin accounted for 38%.
Suicide poisoning deaths increased 28% since 1990. Barbiturate deaths rose dramatically while tranquilizer deaths dropped 78%. In 1997 barbiturates were the leading drug used in poisoning suicides.
In contrast to males, females had a higher rate of poisoning suicide than unintentional poisoning death.
Conclusions: Poisoning deaths pose a significant problem for San Diego, killing more people than motor vehicle occupant crashes during the past eight years. During this time deaths have risen 33%. San Diego has taken steps to reduce drug use, especially methamphetamine, however more needs to be done. Prevention efforts must continue to alleviate this public health concern.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to: 1. Understand patterns of poisoning mortality. 2. Be aware of recent trends in unintentional poisonings including heroin and methamphetamine. 3. Be aware of recent trends in suicide by poisoning including barbiturates. 4. Understand methodology used to study the impact of poisoning deaths
Keywords: Substance Abuse, Suicide
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.