AI Article Synopsis
- Limited research on substance-related acute toxicity deaths (ATDs) in older adults in Canada is explored, focusing on their sociodemographic traits, health histories, and circumstances of death.
- A study analyzed coroner and medical examiner files from 2016 to 2017, identifying 705 accidental ATDs in older adults, with fentanyl, cocaine, and alcohol as the leading substances involved.
- Key findings indicate common health issues such as heart disease, chronic pain, and depression among victims, highlighting the need for targeted prevention efforts due to high healthcare contact rates prior to death.
Article 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.
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|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11092309 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.24095/hpcdp.44.3.03 | DOI Listing |
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