Poisoning and overdosage.

Admissions to Waikato Hospital during 1973 for poisoning and drug overdosage are compared with the figures for 1963, with allowances for population growth. The figures are analysed on the basis of age, sex, race and residential area. A real reduction is shown in poisoning of children, but a large increase has occured in adults, especially young adults and particularly in drug overdosage. Some possible factors in this are discussed.