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A prospective cohort study of non‐fatal accidental overdose among street youth: The link with suicidal ideation
Author(s) -
Richer Isabelle,
Bertrand Karine,
Vandermeerschen Jill,
Roy Élise
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
drug and alcohol review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.018
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1465-3362
pISSN - 0959-5236
DOI - 10.1111/dar.12003
Subject(s) - accidental , suicidal ideation , drug overdose , medicine , psychiatry , poison control , suicide prevention , suicide attempt , injury prevention , cohort , logistic regression , cohort study , prospective cohort study , psychological intervention , psychology , medical emergency , physics , acoustics
and Aims Drug overdose and suicide are the two leading causes of death among street youth. The literature discusses the two faces of drug overdose: accidental act and suicide attempt. Some authors have stated that accidental overdoses may be a hidden expression of suicidal ideation. This study longitudinally examined the relationship between recent suicidal ideations and non‐fatal accidental drug overdoses among street youth. Design and Methods Between J uly 2001 and D ecember 2005, 858 street youth (14–23 years old) were recruited for a prospective cohort study. Youth were eligible if, in the previous year, they had been without a place to sleep more than once or had used the services of street youth agencies on a regular basis ( ≥ 3). Participants completed baseline questionnaires and follow‐up interviews were carried out every 6 months. Mixed‐effect logistic regression models were conducted. Apart from suicidal ideation and accidental drug overdose, variables considered in the model were age, sex, problematic alcohol use, homelessness, injection drug use and polydrug use ( ≥ 3 drugs). Results Accidental drug overdose was significantly associated with suicidal ideation (adjusted odds ratio 1.88; 95% confidence interval 1.23–2.54). Homelessness, injection drug use and polydrug use were also significant in the final model. Discussion and Conclusions Results show that, during follow up, suicidal ideation independently increased risks of accidental overdose. They also underscore the need for interventions beyond educational prevention. Primary care practitioners should investigate suicidal ideations and behaviours of street youth in treatment for accidental overdose. [Richer I, Bertrand K, Vandermeerschen J, Roy É. A prospective cohort study of non‐fatal accidental overdose among street youth: The link with suicidal ideation. Drug Alcohol Rev 2013;32:398‐404]