Regional variations in pediatric medication exposure: Spatial analysis of poison center utilization in western Pennsylvania

Abstract

Context Medication drug exposures among young children continue to rise despite current poison prevention efforts. These exposures result in increased healthcare utilization and medical costs. New tactics are needed to reduce injuries related to pediatric drug exposures. Objective We aimed to identify cluster patterns in 1) calls for pediatric medication drug exposures and 2) a subset of calls that resulted in medical evaluation referrals. We identified and evaluated population characteristics associated with cluster patterns. Methods We analyzed 26,685 pharmaceutical drug exposures involving children less than 5 years of age based on calls reported to the Pittsburgh Poison Center from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2010. We performed spatial statistics to assess for clustering. We used logistic regression was used to estimate population characteristics associated with clustering. Results Spatial analysis identified 22 exposure clusters and 5 referral clusters. 65% of 89 ZIP codes in the clusters of drug exposure with HCF referral were not identified in the exposure clusters. ZIP codes in the HCF referral clusters were characterized as rural, impoverished, and with high rates of unemployment and school dropouts. Discussion Our principal findings demonstrate pediatric drug exposures do exist in discrete geographic clusters and with distinct socioeconomic characteristics. Conclusion This study offers a starting point for subsequent investigations into the geographic and social context of pediatric medication drug exposures. This is an important step in revising pediatric poison prevention strategies.

Toxicologic Exposures in California Emergency Departments in 2011 and Its Risk Factors

“…These results are inconsistent with numerous studies that have shown that TE in children occurred more frequently in lower socioeconomic groups. 5,6,13,24 However, studies have suggested that higher socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with "party" drug abuse, such as γ-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), while injectable drugs are associated with lower SES. 17,25 Further research can be done to analyze different potential poisoning exposures and SES.…”

Depressão Na Terceira Idade, Fatores Associados E Intervenções De Enfermagem

“…Descreve-se, nesta pesquisa, que os medicamentos foram identifi cados como principais agentes causadores de intoxicação infantil, permanecendo em primeiro ou segundo lugar, independentemente da faixa etária; em crianças de até três anos de idade, além dos medicamentos, os produtos de uso domiciliar também aparecem como principal agente tóxico e, a partir dos quatros anos, destacaram-se as plantas tóxicas, raticidas, alimentos e produtos químicos (Tabela 1). NGUYEN et al, 2015;TAVARES et al, 2013).…”

Aligning Partners in Pediatric Health: Using Geographical Information Systems to Plan Community Coalitions

“…24,25 GIS has provided greater understanding of child health issues ranging from gun violence, pediatric poisoning, to vaccination rates. 19,[26][27][28] One of the most impactful application of GIS in child health has been in its role in blood lead level screening. Researchers compiled surveillance data and information on the built environment to assess children's risk for lead poisoning.…”