BACKGROUND: Adolescents using alcohol and drugs are at excess risk for assault. Hospital discharge records usually do not contain illicit substance information. This study determined the involvement of illicit substances in assaults among hospitalized adolescents. METHODS: An analysis of prevalence rates and predictive risk factors, was based on data from 2,189 discharges from the Maryland Trauma Registry and 1,625 discharges from the Maryland Hospital Discharge data. Adolescents were categorized into three groups: 1) patient with record from both Trauma Center and Hospital Facility (T&H), 2) patient with record only from Trauma Center (TCO); and 3) patient with record from Hospital Facility only. Gender, day of week and mechanism of injury were significant predictors of illicit substance use. RESULTS: The number of predicted alcohol and/or drug involved cases was dependent on the group. For example, of 1191 patients in T&H model: 259 (22%) were predicted to have alcohol involvement only, 382 (32%) drug involvement only, and 288 (24%) both. The predictive value in these models ranged from 56% for drugs to 67% for alcohol and drugs. On the other hand, models based on 925 TCO patients had higher predictive values (ranging from 66% to 74%), suggesting that there was a clearer demarcation of illicit substance use in TCO patients than in T&H patients. CONCLUSIONS: These models have helped to identify the predictors of illicit substance use among hospitalized adolescents. The significant predictors indicated that prevention programs should be targeted to certain demographic and injury characteristic subgroups. More population-based studies are warranted.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Discuss different indicators in hospital discharge data that can be used to identify adolescents discharged for alcohol or drug involved assault; and 2. Articulate the methods used for predicting adolescents with alcohol or drug involved injury in Maryland Hospital Discharge data.
Keywords: Adolescents, Violence
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.