Poisoning substances taken by young people: A population-based cohort study

Abstract

Background Globally, poisonings account for most medicallyattended self-harm. Recent data on poisoning substances are lacking, but are needed to inform self-harm prevention. Aim To assess poisoning substance patterns and trends among 10-24-year-olds across England Design and setting Open cohort study of 1 736 527 young people, using linked Clinical Practice Research Datalink, Hospital Episode Statistics, and Office for National Statistics mortality data, from 1998 to 2014. Method Poisoning substances were identified by ICD-10 or Read Codes. Incidence rates and adjusted incidence rate ratios (aIRR) were calculated for poisoning substances by age, sex, index of multiple deprivation, and calendar year. Results In total, 40 333 poisoning episodes were identified, with 57.8% specifying the substances involved. The most common substances were paracetamol (39.8%), alcohol (32.7%), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (11.6%), antidepressants (10.2%), and opioids (7.6%). Poisoning rates were highest at ages 16-18 years for females and 19-24 years for males. Opioid poisonings increased fivefold from 1998-2014 (females: AIRR 5.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.08 to 6.89; males: AIRR 5.11, 95% CI = 3.37 to 7.76), antidepressant poisonings three- to fourfold (females: AIRR 3.91, 95% CI = 3.18 to 4.80, males: AIRR 2.70, 95% CI = 2.04 to 3.58), aspirin/NSAID poisonings threefold (females: AIRR 2.84, 95% CI = 2.40 to 3.36, males: AIRR 2.76, 95% CI = 2.05 to 3.72) and paracetamol poisonings threefold in females (aIRR 2.87, 95% CI = 2.58 to 3.20). Across all substances poisoning incidence was higher in more disadvantaged groups, with the strongest gradient for opioid poisonings among males (aIRR 3.46, 95% CI = 2.24 to 5.36). Conclusion It is important that GPs raise awareness with families of the substances young people use to self-harm, especially the common use of overthe- counter medications. Quantities of medication prescribed to young people at risk of self-harm and their families should be limited, particularly analgesics and antidepressants.