Accidental poisoning in New Zealand.

OBJECTIVE

To examine mortality and morbidity associated with accidental poisoning in New Zealand for the period of 1993-97, and make comparisons with international trends.

METHODS

Poison Centre call data, and mortality and public hospital discharge data from the New Zealand Health Information Service were examined. Mortality and hospitalization rates were calculated. Statistical trends were examined using Poisson regression.

RESULTS

Poison Centre calls regarding household agents and therapeutics were most frequent. Accidental poisoning with analgesics, antipyretics and antirheumatics (18%) was a common cause of hospitalization. Children under 5 years had the highest hospitalization rates, but were less at risk of death by accidental poisoning than other age groups. Common causes of death from accidental poisoning included utility gas/carbon monoxide (16%), psychotropic agents (16%), and analgesics, etc. (15%). Mortality rates varied between 0.54 and 0.72/100,000 population.

CONCLUSION

Mortality rates in New Zealand are lower than in many countries, but hospitalization rates are higher. Possible explanations and prevention implications are discussed.