A descriptive study of intentional self‐poisoning from New Zealand national registry data

Abstract

ObjectiveUnderstanding which population groups intentionally poison themselves by overdose and which substances are used are key to developing prevention efforts for such injuries. This paper uses Ministry of Health (MOH) data to explore the demographic characteristics of those who intentionally self‐poison and the substances used, identifies limitations of existing data collections and makes recommendations for the future. MethodsMOH mortality data from 2000 to 2012, and public hospital presentation data from 2000–2014 of cases of intentional self‐poisoning (ISP), and poisoning of undetermined intent (UDP), were examined. ResultsMen were more at risk of fatal intentional poisonings, while young women and people from deprived areas were predominant in hospital presentations for ISP and UDP. While ICD‐10 categories were available, there was limited information in the majority of MOH data about specific substances used in the poisonings. ConclusionsThe current format of MOH data indicates that developing interventions to help young people and those living in deprived areas may be useful. Finding specific solutions is challenging when only limited nationwide substance‐specific poisoning information is available. Implications for public healthIncluding specific substances in national data collections is important for addressing the public health challenge of intentional overdose morbidity and mortality.