Jingru Helen Ha, Jacqueline Burt, Shane Randell, Amanda VanSteelandt
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Introduction: Limited research exists on substance-related acute toxicity deaths (ATDs) in older adults (≥60 years) in Canada. This study aims to examine and describe the sociodemographic characteristics, health histories and circumstances of death for accidental ATDs among older adults.
Methods: Following a retrospective descriptive analysis of all coroner and medical examiner files on accidental substance-related ATDs in older adults in Canada from 2016 to 2017, proportions and mortality rates for coroner and medical examiner data were compared with general population data on older adults from the 2016 Census. Chisquare tests were conducted for categorical variables where possible.
Results: From 2016 to 2017, there were 705 documented accidental ATDs in older adults. Multiple substances contributed to 61% of these deaths. Fentanyl, cocaine and ethanol (alcohol) were the most common substances contributing to death. Heart disease (33%), chronic pain (27%) and depression (26%) were commonly documented. Approximately 84% of older adults had contact with health care services in the year preceding their death. Only 14% were confirmed as having their deaths witnessed.
Conclusions: Findings provide insight into the demographic, contextual and medical history factors that may influence substance-related ATDs in older adults and suggest key areas for prevention.
期刊介绍:
Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada: Research, Policy and Practice (the HPCDP Journal) is the monthly, online scientific journal of the Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention Branch of the Public Health Agency of Canada. The journal publishes articles on disease prevention, health promotion and health equity in the areas of chronic diseases, injuries and life course health. Content includes research from fields such as public/community health, epidemiology, biostatistics, the behavioural and social sciences, and health services or economics.