Examining the upward shift in age at drug poisoning

Drug poisoning mortality rates were highest among 35-54 year olds throughout 1999-2006. However, many drug poisoning prevention programs target teens and young adults. Data from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey–Emergency Department (NHAMCS-ED) were used to estimate the number of ED drug poisoning visits and the National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS) was used to estimate drug poisoning hospital discharges from 1995 to 2006. Drug poisonings were identified with external cause code in NHAMCS-ED and nature codes in NHDS. Other definitions of drug poisoning were examined. Injury rates were calculated by year and age. Direction, magnitude and significance of trends were determined using SUDAAN and Joinpoint. From 1995 to 2006, drug poisoning ED visit rates among those 35-54 doubled from 80 per 100,000 (1995-1996) to 162 per 100,000 (2005-2006), an average annual increase of 5.5% (p<.05). In 2005-2006, hospital discharge rates among the 35-54 year olds, at 108 per 100,000, were 30% higher than in 1995-1996. In 2005-2006, those aged 35-54 accounted for 29% of drug poisoning ED visits and 39% of hospital discharges; up from 16% and 31% in 1995-1996. In contrast, the percentage of visits and discharges among those aged 15-34 decreased (45% to 31% and 45% to 39%, respectively). Currently, about a third of drug poisonings resulting in an ED visit or a hospital discharge, are among persons 35-54 years old; a substantial increase from the past decade. These data suggest that drug poisoning prevention programs that target persons 35-54 years of age may be beneficial.