Correlates of child mental health and substance use related emergency department visits in Ontario: A linked population survey and administrative health data study

• DOI: 10.23889/ijpds.v8i1.2152
• Publication Date: 2023-08-14T12:51:33Z
• Authors: Jinette Comeau; Li Wang; Laura Duncan; Jordan Edwards; Katholiki Georgiades; Kelly K. Anderson; Piotr Wilk; Tammy Lau
• Keywords: Mental Health Services; Ontario; Demography. Population. Vital events; Adolescent; Substance-Related Disorders; 1. No poverty; 610 Medicine & health; 3. Good health; Mental Health; 360 Social problems & social services; Substance Use Disorder; Mental Disorder; Emergency Medicine; Correlates; Humans; HB848-3697; Child; Emergency Service, Hospital; Children; Population Data Science; Retrospective Studies

Knowledge of the sociodemographic, behavioural, and clinical characteristics children visiting emergency departments (EDs) for mental health or substance use concerns in Ontario, Canada is lacking.Using data from a population-based survey linked at individual level to administrative data, this study leverages provincially representative sample quasi-experimental design strengthen inferences regarding extent which children's are associated with risk related ED visit.9,301 aged 4-17 years participating 2014 Ontario Child Health Study were retrospectively (6 months) prospectively (12 on visits National Ambulatory Care Reporting System. Modified Poisson regression was used examine correlates among over 12-month period following their completion date, adjusting 6 months prior date. Subgroup analyses youths 14-17 who independently completed content peer victimisation, use, suicidality also conducted.Among years, older age, parental immigrant status, internalising problems, perceived need professional help statistically significant that increased visit; low-income suicidal ideation attempt only years.Knowledge EDs required better understand patient needs coordinate effective care optimises child outcomes, inform development targeting upstream interventions have potential prevent avoidable visits.Growing rates been observed internationally.A visit Canada.Older low-income, help, increase an visit.Knowledge can be visits.