(207) Patterns and Associated Factors with Emergency Department Visit due to Drug Poisoning in Korea

Background: Drug-related poisoning emerges as the predominant factor in 95% of fatalities attributed to poisoning, representing a substantial public health concern. Specifically, there has been a recent escalation in poisoning and fatalities associated with psychiatric drugs, including opioids.

Objectives: To identify the characteristics and drug use patterns of drug poisoning patients visiting domestic emergency departments (ED) and to identify factors associated with ED visits and deaths.

Methods: We analyzed 2019 Emergency Department-Based Injury In-Depth Surveillance (EDIIS) data from the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, focusing on patients visiting the ED for poisoning. For cases involving drug-related causes, we examined patient characteristics and drug use patterns by age and sex, specifically considering the use of psychiatric drugs. Using logistic regression and calculating odds ratio (OR) along with 95% confidence intervals (CI), we identified factors associated with ED visits for poisoning and death after visiting the ED.

Results: Among the 5,270 drug poisoning patients, 3,501 were identified as having used psychiatric drugs at least once. The use of 'Psycholeptics' increased with age, particularly most used in females aged over 65 (84.50%). A multivariable logistic regression analysis on ED visits identified female (adjusted OR, 2.81; 95% CI, 2.55-3.09) and self-harm/suicide (adjusted OR, 6.54; 95% CI, 5.82-7.33) as factors associated with ED visits. For death after ED visit, male (adjusted OR,2.08; 95% CI,1.54-2.81), older age (adjusted OR,10.70; 95% CI,2.50-45.75), self-harm/suicide (adjusted OR,4.09; 95% CI,2.67-6.26), and violence/murder (adjusted OR,33.22; 95% CI,6.13-180.11) were identified as significant factors.

Conclusions: Intentionality of self-harm/suicide is an important factor both associated with ED visits and death after visiting the ED. Monitoring and management measures, considering domestic drug utilization patterns, are required for addressing drug-related poisoning.