Rapid communication: sociodemographic differences between counties with high and low utilization of a regional poison control center.

A retrospective review of data from the New Jersey Poison Information and Education System (NJPIES) was conducted to determine whether differences exist in the sociodemographic characteristics between counties with high or low utilization of the regional poison control center (PCC). The goal was to generate hypotheses about the potential reasons for the variances in the utilization rates by different subpopulations, in order to develop culturally sensitive educational and preventive strategies in an effort to enhance the use of PCC services. Data from the NJPIES 2002 computerized medical records were analyzed to estimate the utilization rates (number of calls to NJPIES per 1000 of population) for each county in New Jersey. This information was then combined with county sociodemographic data from the 2000 U.S. Census. Sociodemographic characteristics were compared between the counties with high and low utilization rates and statistically significant differences were found. Counties with low utilization of PCC had significantly higher population density per square mile, smaller proportion of White residents, larger proportion of residents of "other race," and larger proportion of Black, Asian, and Hispanic and Latino residents. Further study is needed to examine the underlying reasons for the underutilization of PCC among such populations and to explore methods for improving their awareness and use of the services provided by PCC.