Meth Injuries: Statistics from a level I trauma center
In a report published by the Journal of Trauma that compares meth related injuries to injuries related to other illicit drugs – meth came out the clear “winner”.
Meth’s impact on a level I trauma center.
Study done by: Division of Trauma, Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego, California, USA.
BACKGROUND: Methamphetamine (METH) use is associated with high-risk behavior and serious injury. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of METH use in trauma patients on a Level I trauma center to guide prevention efforts.
METHODS: A retrospective registry-based review of 4,932 consecutive trauma patients who underwent toxicology screening at our center during a 3-year period (2003-2005). This sample represented 76% of all trauma patients seen during this interval.
RESULTS: From the first half of 2003 to the second half of 2005, overall use of Meth increased 70%, surpassing marijuana as the most common illicit drug used by the trauma population. Other illicit drug use did not significantly change during this interval.
Meth positive patients were more likely to have a violent mechanism of injury
(47.3% vs. 26.3%)
Meth positive patients were more likely to have attempted suicide
(4.8% vs. 2.6%, p < 0.01)
Meth positive patients were more likely to have had an altercation with law enforcement
(1.8% vs. 0.3%, p < 0.001)
Meth positive patients were more likely have been the victim of domestic violence
(4.4% vs. 2.1%, p < 0.001)
Meth users had a higher mean Injury Severity Score
(11.2 vs. 10.0, p < 0.01)
The average cost of care per METH user was 9% higher than that for nonusers, and METH users were more likely to be unfunded than nonusers (47.6% vs. 23.1%, p < 0.001). The annual uncompensated cost of care of METH users increased 70% during the study period to $1,477,108 in 2005.
CONCLUSION: METH use in trauma patients increased significantly and was associated with adverse outcomes and a significant financial burden on our trauma center. Evidence-based prevention efforts must be a priority for trauma centers to help stop the scourge of METH.
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