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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Alan M Smith, MPH1, Leslie Upledger Ray, MA, MPPA1, Barbara M Stepanski, MPH1, Edward M. Castillo, MPH1, Patricia M Murrin, RN, MPH1, and Beth Sise, JD, RN, MSN2. (1) Health and Human Services Agency, Division of Emergency Medical Services, County of San Diego, 6255 Mission Gorge Rd, San Diego, CA 92120, 619-285-6429, asmit1he@co.san-diego.ca.us, (2) Trauma Service, Scripps Mercy Hospital, 4077 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103-2180
Background: Suicide is the leading cause of non-natural death among adults 25 years of age and older, and alcohol, drugs, and other toxic substances are implicated in a large proportion of these deaths. This study was conducted to describe the distribution of substances involved in completed suicides. Methods: Toxicology data were analyzed for all suicides investigated by the San Diego County Medical Examiner from 1996 – 1999, described by category of substance and compared by age and primary suicide method (overdose (OD) or non-overdose (non-OD)). Results: Out of 1292 suicides, 281 (22%) were OD cases and 1011 (78%) were non-OD cases. Only 8 (6%) of individuals younger than 25 years overdosed, compared with 231 (27%) of victims 25 to 64, and 42 (14%) 65 years or older. Among OD cases, 108 (38%) used antidepressants or other psychotherapeutics, 97 (35%) used analgesics, 88 (31%) used alcohol, and 79 (28%) used sedatives. Multiple drugs were present in 72 (26%) of OD cases. Among the 1011 non-OD cases, 414 (41%) had positive toxicology findings, with alcohol identified in 279 (27%). Other substances included analgesics (4%), psychotherapeutics (5%), and methamphetamine (5%). Methamphetamine and antidepressants were more common in adults under 65 years of age, while older adults were more likely to test positive for analgesics or sedatives. Conclusions: The number of suicides using prescription medication suggests opportunities for intervention at points of care. Alcohol, while not necessarily a direct cause of death, appears to play a large role in a substantial number of suicides.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Suicide,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.