SC Connecticut News

A recent study conducted by Yale University has highlighted the significant issue of opioid poisoning among children in the United States. The research, which spans data from 2004 to 2020, reveals that a substantial number of these cases occur at home and are often linked to prior abuse or neglect.

Julie Gaither, an assistant professor of pediatrics at Yale School of Medicine and lead author of the study, emphasized the widespread impact of the opioid epidemic across all age groups. "When most people think about the opioid epidemic, they don’t take into account that it’s something that’s affecting individuals of all ages," she stated.

The study found that prescription opioids were primarily responsible for pediatric poisonings early in the U.S. opioid crisis. However, more recently, fentanyl has become increasingly involved. During this period, nearly 14,000 children died from opioid poisoning.

Gaither and her team utilized data from the National Fatality Review-Case Reporting System to gain insights into these tragic incidents. Their findings indicate that most poisonings happened within a child's home (65%) or at a relative's or friend's residence (23%). Notably, 92% involved prescription opioids.

One startling discovery was that among children aged 0 to 4 years old, about 34% of deaths were classified as homicides due to possible intentional exposure or criminal neglect by caregivers.

Gaither noted her surprise at finding consistent histories of maltreatment across different age groups: "But I was surprised to find that across all four age groups — 0 to 4, 5 to 9, 10 to 14, and 15 to 17 — 25% to 33% of children had a history of maltreatment."

The research also showed prevalent substance use among adolescents who suffered fatal poisonings: with figures showing histories for both younger teens (42%) and older teens (73%).

To mitigate these risks in future scenarios effectively requires targeted interventions according to researchers' recommendations such as better information on safe storage practices; mandatory child-proof packaging for prescriptions; easier accessibilty towards naloxone—a drug capable reversing effects during emergencies—and expanded treatments addressing addiction disorders within communities nationwide .

Gaither stressed proactive measures should be taken seriously given their potential impact: “Opioids are a risk for children and teens... we need more time thinking how families protect themselves prevent these tragedies.”