Development of a Coroner-Based Surveillance System for Drug-Related Deaths in Los Angeles County

摘要: Existing data sources do not provide comprehensive and timely information to adequately monitor drug-related mortality in Los Angeles County. To fill this gap, a surveillance system using coroner was developed examine patterns deaths. The provided on all injury deaths A list of keywords that indicate death caused by drug use developed. cause variables the were searched for mentions one keywords; if keyword detected, classified as related. effectiveness classifying evaluated matching records state files. Then, identified compared files International Classification Death codes. Toxicological test results used categorize based type legality drug(s) ingested. Mortality rates calculated each category legal status different demographic groups. Compared gold standard files, had sensitivity 95.6% identifying Over three quarters tested positive opiates and/or stimulants. Males, Whites, 35–54-year-olds accounted more than half has several advantages: are available fashion, include about specific substances victim ingested, can be broken down compare among subpopulations.