Clinical profile and risk factors in acute intoxications at a clinic in Barranquilla (2022–2023)

Abstract

Introduction: Acute intoxication by psychoactive substances (PAS) is a public health problem, encompassing both illicit and legal drugs. Global illicit drug use has grown by 20% in the last decade, according to the UNODC. In Barranquilla, specific sociocultural factors make it necessary to conduct a local analysis in order to design effective interventions.  

Objective: To characterize the poisoning profile, clinical outcomes, and risk factors in patients with acute intoxication by SPA treated between 2022 and 2023 in a high-complexity clinic.  

Methodology: Observational, descriptive, and retrospective study analyzing 124 cases of acute intoxication by SPA selected from 554 patients. Using institutional medical records, sociodemographic variables, types of substances, patterns of intoxication, and clinical outcomes were examined using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis.  

Results: Seventy-four percent of patients were male, with a median age of 27 years. Alcohol consumption predominated (48%), followed by cocaine (26%) and cannabis (20%). Thirty-one percent of women presented with accidental intoxication, while 53% of men had voluntary intoxication. Fourteen percent were admitted to the ICU. A significant association was found between sex and age (p=0.042), cocaine use (p=0.018), and accidental intoxication (p=0.008). There was also an association between cannabis use and hospital stay (p=0.03), intentional intoxication (p=0.024), and days of hospitalization by sex (p=0.04).    

Conclusion: Acute PAS intoxication mainly affects young men with intentional use and high-risk patterns. Differentiated prevention strategies, mental health care, and consolidated epidemiological surveillance are required.