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An overview of injuries to adolescents and young adults related to substance use: data from Canadian emergency departments

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 May 2015

Sarah Lea ,
Karen Black  and
Mark Asbridge
Sarah Lea
Affiliation:
Department of Community Health and Department of Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS
Karen Black
Affiliation:
Department of Emergency Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS
Mark Asbridge*
Affiliation:
Department of Community Health and Department of Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS
*
Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, 5790 University Ave., Halifax NS B3H 1V7; mark.asbridge@dal.ca

Abstract

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Objective:

Alcohol is a significant risk factor for injury, and is one of the leading causes of death, disability and premature mortality among young Canadians. This paper provides an overview of alcohol-related injury among adolescents and young adults presenting to Canadian emergency departments (EDs).

Methods:

We reviewed records from the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program database during the 4-year period between 2000 and 2003. We included individuals younger than 25 years who presented to EDs in 11 pediatric and general hospitals with injuries for which alcohol, either alone or in conjunction with drugs, was recorded as a contributing factor. We examined key socio-demographic and injury-related factors associated with alcohol and drug-related injuries, including intent and disposition.

Results:

Alcohol was identified as a factor in 2389 injuries during this 4-year period; 408 (17%) of these cases also involved drug use. Approximately 55% of these patients were male and the majority was between 15 and 19 years of age. Unintentional injuries were the most common presentation, self-harm injuries were more common among female patients and violence-related injuries were more common among male patients. Most patients received treatment for their injuries. However, as age increased, outcome differences were observed between sexes.

Conclusion:

Alcohol-related injuries are increasing among Canadian youth. These findings highlight the importance of obtaining thorough drug and alcohol histories and measurement, when appropriate, for adolescents and young adults presenting to EDs with injuries.

Keywords

alcoholdrugsinjury and traumaemergency departmentyouth and young adults
Type
Original Research • Recherche originale
Information
Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine , Volume 11 , Issue 4 , July 2009 , pp. 330 - 336
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians 2009

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