Unintentional drug-related deaths in people with mental illness in NSW Australia, 2012-2016: a retrospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

People with mental illness are a vulnerable and stigmatised group with poor health outcomes including greater premature mortality. This study aimed to investigate trends and rates of change in unintentional drug-related deaths for people with mental illness, describe types of medicines involved, and identify populations at risk in a cohort from New South Wales, Australia.

Methods

Features of unintentional drug-related deaths for people with mental illness between 2012 and 2016 were identified in a retrospective review of data from the National Coronial Information System.

Results

A total of 495 unintentional drug-related deaths were identified (1.6 deaths/100,000 population), showing an upward trend (p < 0.01). The most common substance involved was diazepam i

SUBMITTER: Smith-Merry J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9922235 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature