Alcohol intoxication among children in the Netherlands

In contrast to adults, gender differences in alcohol intoxication among adolescents are not well known. To investigate possible differences, pediatric admissions for alcohol intoxication from the majority of Dutch hospitals from 2007 to 2009 were analyzed. Another aim was to explore key characteristics (e.g. blood alcohol concentration, duration of reduced consciousness, age) and trends of alcohol intoxication among adolescents from 2007–2009. Data from the Dutch Pediatric Surveillance system (NSCK), which monitors alcohol intoxication among children in Dutch hospital departments of pediatrics, were analyzed. Patients, aged 11–17 years old, with reduced consciousness due to alcohol intoxication were included. A sharp increase in number of adolescents admitted with alcohol intoxication occurred from 2007 to 2009. The average age of the treated patients increased from 15.3 years in 2007 and 15.4 years in 2008 to 15.7 years in 2009. The duration of reduced consciousness due to alcohol intoxication also increased from 2.2 hours to 3.1 hours over three years. Gender differences were observed regarding alcohol intoxication characteristics. Most strikingly, intoxicated girls were younger (15.3 years vs. 15.7 years), had a lower blood alcohol concentration (1.79 vs. 1.94 gram/litre) and were hospitalized for shorter times than boys. No association was found between alcohol intoxication and other (illicit) drug use. The most consumed drinks prior to hospital admission were spirits and beer. Alcohol intoxication among adolescents is an emerging problem. Differences in intoxication characteristics between boys and girls were observed. These findings are important for future prevention and intervention strategies. In the Netherlands, special policlinics for children with alcohol intoxication have already been established.

adolescent - alcohol intoxication - gender - intervention strategies