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Trends in Pediatric Opioid Ingestion and Associated Factors in Washington State, 2014-2023

Nzuekoh N Nchinda1,2, James Leonard3, Alex Sirotzki3

  • 1Department of Health Systems and Population Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.

Public Health Reports (Washington, D.C. : 1974)
|June 10, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric opioid ingestions, particularly fentanyl, surged in Washington State. Life-threatening effects were linked to socioeconomic disadvantage, highlighting urgent public health needs for prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Toxicology
  • Pediatric Medicine

Background:

  • Childhood opioid intoxication is a growing concern in the US due to potent synthetic opioids.
  • High-potency synthetic opioids pose significant risks to children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate trends in pediatric opioid ingestions in Washington State.
  • To identify demographic factors associated with these ingestions.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective data review of non-therapeutic pediatric opioid exposures (2014-2023).
  • Analysis of trends by opioid type and demographics.
  • Logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Main Results:

  • 2873 pediatric opioid ingestions reported; mean age 7.4 years, 52% female.
  • Fentanyl ingestion increased by 9700%; hydrocodone and oxycodone decreased by 59% and 56%, respectively.
  • Fentanyl ingestion, adolescent age, and neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage increased odds of major adverse effects. 9 deaths reported.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric opioid ingestions in Washington show a sharp rise in fentanyl use.
  • Life-threatening outcomes are disproportionately linked to socioeconomic disadvantage.
  • Enhanced surveillance and prevention strategies are crucial for pediatric opioid ingestions.
Abstract

Keywords:
opioidpediatricspublic healthsocial determinants of healthtoxicology

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