Chrzanowska A, Man N, Darke S, Degenhardt L, Farrell M, Moran L, Peacock A. Unintentional and intentional drug poisoning deaths, Australia, 2012-2016: Drug pattern profile and demographic characteristics.
Drug Alcohol Depend 2021;
229:109112. [PMID:
34628104 DOI:
10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.109112]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Identifying differences in unintentional versus intentional drug poisoning deaths can inform targeted prevention. This study aimed to: compare unintentional versus intentional drug poisoning deaths by drug involvement, age and sex; describe patterns of drug involvement by intent; and describe common drug patterns by age and sex.
METHODS
Cases comprised deaths among Australians aged ≥15 where drug poisoning was the underlying cause (Cause of Death Unit Record File 2012-2016). Sex, age, and drug involvement were analysed by intent using logistic regression.
RESULTS
Of 7994 deaths, 71% were unintentional and 24% intentional. Compared with unintentional deaths, intentional deaths were more likely among females (OR 1.31 [95% CI 1.16-1.48]) and those aged 55+ (1.50 [1.25-1.81] for 55-64 years; 3.79 [3.07-4.66] for 65+ years, compared to 35-44 years), and were more likely to involve hypnosedatives (2.11 [1.87-2.39]), other psychotropic medicines (1.58 [1.39-1.78]), non-opioid analgesics and anaesthetics (1.48 [1.25-1.73]). Common unintentional profiles comprised: opioids (excluding heroin); heroin; alcohol; opioids with hypnosedatives; opioids with hypnosedatives and other psychotropic medicines; stimulants; other psychotropic medicines; and opioids with other psychotropic medicines. Unintentional deaths involving heroin or stimulants only had a greater proportion of males (79.0% and 83.4%, respectively) and younger individuals aged 15-34 (30.3% and 39.5%, respectively). Common intentional profiles comprised: hypnosedatives; other psychotropic medicines; opioids (excluding heroin); hypnosedatives with other psychotropic medicines; opioids with hypnosedatives; and opioids with hypnosedatives and other psychotropic medicines.
CONCLUSION
The demographic and drug involvement profile of intentional and unintentional deaths were distinct, suggesting different approaches to prevention are necessary.
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