This scientific poster describes a preliminary, prospective study of injured adolescents, ages 12-20, conducted at two emergency departments in the USA: (1) a university hospital; and (2) an urban teaching hospital. Clinical information was collected from 380 eligible subjects (59.2% male). Consent was obtained from 321 (84%) patients (and parents of those under 18) for a saliva alcohol test and a questionnaire covering demographics, alcohol use and misuse. Questionnaires were completed by 263 adolescents (69%). Ninety-five (25%) were involved in motor vehicle crashes (MVCs). Of these 55.8% were female. Significantly more women were MVC-injured. MVC subjects were admittedly significantly more, and were more likely to have Injury Severity Scores (ISS) of 2+. Subjects who reported more alcohol misuse were significantly more likely to have positive alcohol tests. MVC subjects reported more alcohol involvement than non-MVC subjects, although the differences did not approach significance, with two exceptions: (i) MVC subjects were less likely to be in school; and (ii) they were more likely to report binge drinking. While only a small percentage of injured adolescents tested positive for alcohol when treated in the emergency department, questionnaires indicated extensive alcohol use and misuse at other times, especially in motor vehicles. This study was funded by the Emergency Medicine and Substance Abuse Research Centre at the University of Michigan. (A)
Abstract