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[Acute alcoholic intoxication in hospital and drunk cell]
W Aasebø1, J Erikssen, J Jonsbu
1Medisinsk avdeling Sentralsykehuset i Akershus 1474 Nordbyhagen. waaseboe@online.no
Summary
Epidemiological data reveal a significant decrease in police handling of acute ethanol intoxication cases over 12 years. Concurrently, hospital admissions for alcohol intoxication rose dramatically, particularly among women.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Limited epidemiological data exist on acute ethanol intoxication care.
- Many cases likely do not interact with police or healthcare systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate trends in the management of acute ethanol intoxication.
- To analyze changes in police custody versus hospital admission over a 12-year period.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of police and hospital records.
- Data collected from Romerike Police District and Central Hospital of Akershus.
- Study period spanned 1988, 1993, 1998, and 2000.
Main Results:
- Police managed the majority of cases (2,259 vs. 293 hospital admissions).
- Police custody decreased by 40%, while hospital admissions increased by 600% from 1988 to 2000.
- Hospitalized patients were aged 15-60; custody cases were younger (45% <29). Women comprised 8% of custody cases but 37% of hospitalizations, with a notable rise in young women admitted.
Conclusions:
- Police involvement in acute ethanol intoxication cases significantly decreased.
- Hospitalizations for ethanol intoxication remained stable in men but increased substantially in women, especially young women.