The burden of alcohol misuse on emergency in‐patient hospital admissions among residents from a health board region in Ireland

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2004.00822.x
• Publication Date: 2004-09-15T15:48:20Z
• Authors: A. O'Farrell; S. Allwright; J. Downey; D. Bedford; F. Howell
• Keywords: Adult; Male; Adolescent; Middle Aged; 3. Good health; Hospitalization; 03 medical and health sciences; Age Distribution; 0302 clinical medicine; Humans; Female; Sex Distribution; Child; Emergency Service, Hospital; Alcoholic Intoxication; Ireland; Retrospective Studies

To identify in-patient emergency admissions to acute hospitals of residents from a health board region in the Republic Ireland with an alcohol intoxication diagnosis; profile and assess whether increase consumption has been mirrored by related over same time period.A retrospective review hospital using Hospital In-Patient Enquiry (HIPE) data trends Central Statistics Office (CSO).Acute Ireland.All admitted recorded admission non-private for which diagnosis (ICD Codes 303.0 305.0) was one were extracted HIPE system years 1997-2001 inclusive. Pearson's chi2 test used compare proportions groups categorical trend linear trends. Age standardized rates calculated each year analysis carried out. Demographic on patients also database.There 3289 study There 777 2001 compared 432 1997, 80%. showed significant increasing (P < 0.001). Over half occurred weekends. The average length stay 2.7 days (95% CI 2.5-2.8) just under quarter (24.3%) these being discharged day. majority male (71.5%), 40.9% 30 old (59.4%) single.This shows that accounted substantial number age rate increased significantly 5-year period, 1997-2001. This national period.