Accidental and Intentional Drug Poisoning Mortality in Older Adults in Spain: Nationwide Trends, 2001-2022

Objective

To estimate time trends in fatal drug poisoning among older adults in Spain during 2001-2022 according to intent, sex, and age group. Patients and Methods: Repeated cross-sectional study from January 1, 2001, through December 31, 2022. Fatal drug poisonings included poisoning deaths from psychoactive and therapeutic substances (excluding alcohol) and were classified using International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, codes as accidental (X40-X44) or intentional (X60-X64). Age-standardized mortality rates per million person-years were calculated. Time trends were characterized with annual percentage changes (APCs) using Joinpoint regression. Results were stratified by sex, age (65-74, 75-84, and ≥85 years), and intent.