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Drug-Related Poisonings among Chilean Adult Population
Berta Schulz-Bañares1, Carla González-Norambuena2, Claudio Müller-Ramírez1
1Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile.
Drug-related poisonings in Chile (2016-2020) primarily affected young adults, with women experiencing intentional poisonings more frequently. Most cases had favorable outcomes, though benzodiazepines and antidepressants were common culprits.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Toxicology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Drug-related poisonings represent a significant, preventable public health issue globally.
- Chile experienced a substantial burden of acute poisonings between 2016 and 2020.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the epidemiology of drug-related acute poisonings in Chile.
- To identify trends and key demographic factors associated with poisonings.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study utilizing national hospital admission data (2016-2020).
- Inclusion criteria: patients diagnosed with drug-related poisoning (WHO ICD-10 codes T30-T50).
- Statistical analyses to determine associations between variables.
Main Results:
- 12,975 poisonings recorded, constituting 0.16% of hospital admissions.
- Women comprised 71.1% of cases; 76.7% were intentional poisonings.
- Young adults (18-29 years) were most affected; benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and acetaminophen were most common agents.
Conclusions:
- Poisoning rates remained stable, with a slight decrease in 2020.
- Intentional poisonings were more prevalent among young adults, particularly women.
- Most poisonings resulted in favorable patient outcomes, with a low mortality rate (0.6%).
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