[Deliberate self-poisonings treated in hospitals]

Abstract

Background: Due to lack of person-based national statistics, the exact incidence of deliberate self-poisoning in Norway is unknown. This study describes incidence of hospital discharges for deliberate self-poisoning with drugs based on data from Norwegian National Hospital Discharge Register.

Population and methods: Cases of patients aged 15 years or older discharged with a diagnosis T4n or T50.9 "Intoxication with medical drugs and biological substances" from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2002 were selected. We have calculated age- and sex-specific national incidence rates and age- and sex-adjusted regional rates.

Results: Annualized incidence was 4307 cases (120 per 100,000 person-years). The incidence was higher among women (144 per 100,000 person-years) than men (94 per 100,000 person-years). Incidence was higher among younger than older people and it was the highest in women aged 20 - 24. In-hospital mortality was 5 per 1000 cases. There were statistically significant differences in incidence among Norwegian counties, with one county having the highest incidence, 50 % above the national average.

Interpretation: Deliberate self-poisoning with drugs is a significant public health problem in Norway. Priority should be focused on high incidence among young people, particularly women. The causes of significant regional variations should be researched further.