Amanda S Newton1, Kassi Shave2, Rhonda J Rosychuk1. 1. a Department of Pediatrics , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Canada. 2. b Department of Pediatrics Graduate Program , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Canada.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To identify geographic areas in Alberta, Canada with higher numbers of adolescents with an emergency department (ED) presentation for a mental or behavioral disorder secondary to alcohol and other drug use. METHODS: A population-based cohort analysis of ED visits (n = 7787) by adolescents aged 15-17 years (n = 7238) during 2002-2011. We calculated sex-adjusted directly standardized rates (DSRs) and identified space-time clusters in health zones (North, Edmonton, Calgary, Central, and South). RESULTS: The North zone had higher DSRs compared to other areas. Clusters were identified in: (1) North, Edmonton, and northwest Central zones [relative risk (RR: 1.54; from 2004 to 2008); (2) western South and southern Calgary zones (RR: 1.58; from 2007 to 2011); and (3) northern South zone (RR: 2.38; from 2006 to 2007). CONCLUSIONS: The spatial scan can identify geographic areas of high health care use for specific health conditions. These results, in turn, can be used to inform health resource planning.
PURPOSE: To identify geographic areas in Alberta, Canada with higher numbers of adolescents with an emergency department (ED) presentation for a mental or behavioral disorder secondary to alcohol and other drug use. METHODS: A population-based cohort analysis of ED visits (n = 7787) by adolescents aged 15-17 years (n = 7238) during 2002-2011. We calculated sex-adjusted directly standardized rates (DSRs) and identified space-time clusters in health zones (North, Edmonton, Calgary, Central, and South). RESULTS: The North zone had higher DSRs compared to other areas. Clusters were identified in: (1) North, Edmonton, and northwest Central zones [relative risk (RR: 1.54; from 2004 to 2008); (2) western South and southern Calgary zones (RR: 1.58; from 2007 to 2011); and (3) northern South zone (RR: 2.38; from 2006 to 2007). CONCLUSIONS: The spatial scan can identify geographic areas of high health care use for specific health conditions. These results, in turn, can be used to inform health resource planning.
Entities:
Keywords:
Emergency department; alcohol and other drug use; cluster detection