Amphetamine-Related Emergency Department Visits in Ontario, Canada, 2003-2020

Original research
by
Crispo, James A.G. et al

Release Date

2023

Geography

Canada

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Yes

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

Our primary objective was to examine trends in amphetamine-related ED visits over time in Ontario, including by age and sex. Secondary objectives were to examine whether patient characteristics were associated with ED revisit within 6 months.

Findings/Key points

The population-based rate of amphetamine-related ED visits increased nearly 15-fold between 2003 (1.9/100,000 Ontarians) and 2020 (27.9/100,000 Ontarians). Seventy-five percent of individuals returned to the ED for any reason within 6 months. Psychosis and use of other substances were both independently associated with ED revisit for any reason within 6 months, whereas having a primary care physician was negatively associated with ED revisit.

Design/methods

Administrative claims and census data

Keywords

Stimulants
About PWUD
Overdose
Hospitals