Mortality due to drug poisoning in Brazil between 2020 and 2022

Abstract

Drug poisoning, classified as exogenous, results from exposure to drugs in doses higher than those considered therapeutic. The study aimed to analyze the incidence and demographic profile of deaths related to drug poisoning in Brazil between 2020 and 2022. This is an observational, descriptive and retrospective study based on publicly available secondary data from the SUS Information Technology Department. During the period evaluated, 5,837 reports of drug poisoning were recorded, with an average proportional mortality of 0.12% and an average rate of 9.1 deaths per million inhabitants. There was an increase in deaths in Brazil, with the rate rising from 8.6 to 9.5 per million. The highest absolute number of deaths occurred in the Southeast region, while the South region had the highest proportional mortality rate among the regions of the country. Most deaths were caused by intentional self-poisoning and mainly in hospitals and homes. This phenomenon was more prevalent among single men, aged between 20 and 49 years and with 8 to 11 years of schooling. The pattern of deaths related to drug use highlights the most vulnerable population and provides important support for the formulation of public health strategies aimed at preventing this condition.

Keywords: Self-medication. Poisoning. Epidemiological profile. Death surveillance.