Medicine poisoning mortality trend by gender and age group, São Paulo State, Brazil, 1996-2012

Abstract This study looked into mortality due to medicinal drug poisoning by age, gender and intent among the population of the state of São Paulo. The adjusted time sequence of mortality due to drug poisoning was developed based on data available in the DATASUS Mortality Data System for 1996 to 2012. We checked the variables for magnitude and trends. We found an increase in adjusted mortality starting in 2005, and more so as of 2009, confirmed by a 95% CI for the average annual rate of change. (AARC) We did not find the same trend in overall mortality in the state (AARC = -0.22%, 95% CI = -1.12 - 0.69) for specific, external cause mortality (AARC = -3.14%, 95% CI = -4.75 - -1.49) and for mortality due to accidental drug poisoning (AARC=+9,76%, 95% IC = -12.16 – 37.14). The largest increase was found in intentional self-poisoning with medicinal drugs (AARC = +10.64%, 95% CI = 6.92 - 14.40), and among the younger subjects (largest magnitude). The trend in mortality due to drug poisoning in the State of São Paulo, the importance of intent and mortality among the younger population reiterate the need to implement control measures.