Characteristics of Poisoning Cases Admitted to Outpatient and Emergency Department - China, 2019

China CDC Wkly. 2023 Nov 24;5(47):1052-1057. doi: 10.46234/ccdcw2023.197.

Abstract

What is already known about this topic?: Poisoning constitutes a significant cause of mortality among individuals aged 1 to 44 in China. Nonetheless, the epidemiological understanding of poisoning incidents within emergency departments remains fragmented across the region.

What is added by this report?: In 2019, the NISS recorded 31,382 cases of poisoning, predominantly among males (62.85%) and individuals aged 25-44 (44.13%). In all poisoning cases, 82.60% were unintentional. The predominant substances exposure in poisoning cases presenting to outpatient and emergency departments were alcohol (56.38%), medications (14.21%), and pesticides (9.78%).

What are the implications for public health practice?: This study has shed light on the evidence for nonfatal poisoning prevention to a variety of different groups, and informed special attention needed for high-risk population and substance exposed.

Keywords: emergency; poisoning; surveillance.