Epidemiology of adolescent and young adult hospital utilization for alcohol and drug use, poisoning, and suicide attempts in the United States

Purpose: This study examined the patterns and characteristics of adolescent and young adult hospital discharges for alcohol and drug use, poisonings, and suicide attempts. Methods: This population-based retrospective study analyzed 2010 U.S. National Hospital Discharge Survey data. Discharges associated with alcohol and drug use, poisonings, and suicide attempts for 10-24 year olds were examined. Weighted population estimates were derived and Rao-Scott Chi square tests evaluated group differences. Results: Discharge rates per 10,000 adolescents and young adults for alcohol/drug use, poisonings, and suicide attempts were 54.1, 9.2, and 2.94 per 10,000 respectively. Conclusions: Self-harming behaviors result in a substantial number of hospital admissions, with seasonal, age and gender-related trends that could be valuable in developing targeted interventions and resource planning