Hospitalizations for Acetaminophen Overdose in Canada
Author Information
Author(s): Robert P. Myers, Bing Li, Andrew Fong, Abdel Aziz M. Shaheen, Hude Quan
Primary Institution: University of Calgary
Hypothesis
What are the trends and risk factors for acetaminophen overdose in a Canadian health region from 1995 to 2004?
Conclusion
Hospitalization rates for acetaminophen overdose, particularly intentional ingestions, have fallen in our Canadian health region between 1995 and 2004.
Supporting Evidence
- The age/sex-adjusted hospitalization rate decreased by 41% from 19.6 per 100,000 in 1995 to 12.1 per 100,000 in 2004.
- Hospitalization rates for intentional overdoses fell from 16.6 per 100,000 in 1995 to 8.6 per 100,000 in 2004.
- Risk factors for acetaminophen overdose included female sex, Aboriginal status, and receipt of social assistance.
Takeaway
This study looked at how many people were hospitalized for taking too much acetaminophen in Canada and found that fewer people were getting sick from it over time.
Methodology
The study analyzed administrative data to identify hospitalized patients with acetaminophen overdose in the Calgary Health Region from 1995 to 2004.
Potential Biases
Coding of suicidal intent in patients with acetaminophen overdose has not been validated.
Limitations
The study only included hospitalized cases, which may underestimate the true incidence of acetaminophen overdose.
Participant Demographics
68% of the participants were female, with a median age of 26 years; 7% were status Aboriginals.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0005
Statistical Significance
p<0.0005
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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