Social restrictions due to COVID-19 and the incidence of intoxicated patients in pediatric emergency department

Abstract

Background: Social restrictions set due to COVID-19 decreased pediatric emergency department (ED). The aim is to report epidemiology of intoxicated patients in pediatric ED during the first and second waves of COVID-19. Methods: Data for this retrospective hospital discharge register study was gathered from January 2017 to December 2020. Patients aged <18 and intoxicated were included. Incidences are reported per 10,000 children and compared by incidence rate rations (IRRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Incidence of ED visit for intoxicated patient was 65 per 10,000 in 2020 and 54 per 10,000 in 2017–2019 (IRR 1.20 CI 0.87–1.68). Incidence was lower during the lockdown compared to reference years (IRR 0.50 CI 0.17–1.44). Peak monthly incidence (12 per 10000) was recorded after lockdown in July 2020 (IRR 2.45 CI 1.01-5.92). Discussion: Based on these results, the lockdown and social restrictions did not decrease heavy alcohol or drug consumption among adolescents in Finland.