CJEM Articles: self-injurious behaviour

Displaying 1-2 of 2 results

  • Emergency department visits for acetaminophen overdose: a Canadian population-based epidemiologic study (1997–2002)
    July 2007 9 4
    Abdel Aziz M. Shaheen, Bing Li, Robert P. Myers

    Objective: We describe the epidemiology of emergency department (ED) visits for acetaminophen overdose in a large Canadian health region, with a focus on sociodemographic risk factors and temporal trends.

    Methods: Patients presenting to an ED in the Calgary Health Region (population ~1.1 million) for acetaminophen overdose between 1997 and 2002 were identified using regional administrative data.

    Results: A total of 2699 patients made 3015 ED visits for acetaminophen overdose between 1997 and 2002, corresponding to an age- and sex-adjusted incidence of 45.7 per 100 000 population. Alcohol-related disorders were common (19%) and overdose rates were higher in females, younger patients, Aboriginals and social assistance recipients. The incidence decreased from 52.6 per 100 000 in 1997 to 35.1 per 100 000 in 2002 (34% relative reduction; p < 0.0005). When classified according to suicidal intent, the rates of intentional and unintentional overdose (69% and 25% of all overdoses, respectively) showed similar temporal trends. A marked seasonality was observed, with a peak in spring and early summer.

    Conclusions: ED visit rates for acetaminophen overdose fell between 1997 and 2002. High-risk groups, including young females and marginalized populations, may benefit from preventive and educational initiatives.

  • Population-based study of medically treated self-inflicted injuries
    September 2004 6 5
    Brian H. Rowe, Don Schopflocher, Ian Colman, Lawrence W. Svenson, Niko Yiannakoulias, Rhonda J. Rosychuk

    Objective: Self-inflicted injury is commonly seen in emergency departments (EDs). It may be a pre-cursor to death by suicide. The objective of this study was to examine the epidemiology of self-inflicted injury presentations to EDs in the province of Alberta.

    Methods: Self-inflicted injury records for the 3 fiscal years 1998/99 to 2000/01 were accessed from the Ambulatory Care Classification System, a database that captures all ED encounters in the province of Alberta. Available data for each case included demographic details, location and time of visit, diagnoses and procedures.

    Results: There were 22 396 self-inflicted injury presentations to Alberta EDs during the study period. Self-inflicted injury rates were higher in females, younger patients, those on social services and those with Aboriginal treaty status. There were higher rates of return visits in the year following the self-inflicted injury than in other patient groups. Data showed regional variation. Trends could be seen in the timing of self-inflicted injury presentations by hour of day, day of week, and month of year.

    Conclusions: Self-inflicted injury is common, with particularly high rates demonstrated among marginalized populations. This study provides comprehensive data on those who present with self-inflicted injuries, and can be used to guide further treatment, research and evaluation for this population.