An examination of factors associated with tobacco smoking amongst patients presenting with deliberate self-poisoning

Background: Understand factors related to related to tobacco smoking amongst individuals who present with deliberate self-harm is important. This article explores the relationship between tobacco use with mental health diagnoses and substance use in a cohort of overdose admissions. Methods: Secondary analysis of an existing health service database with 7133 patients admitted for deliberate self-poisonings from 1997 to 2013 was conducted. A data collection form was used on admission to capture information on patient demographics, drugs ingested, use of drugs of misuse, regular medications and management and complications of poisoning. The data was analysed using a multiple logistic regression model. Results: Within a deliberate self-poisoning population, those diagnosed with: an amphetamine substance use disorder (OR = 1.84, p <.001), alcohol use disorder (OR = 1.68, p <.001), other substance use disorder (OR = 1.77, p <.001), psychotic diagnoses (OR = 1.17, p =.032), or had a history of self-harm (OR = 1.15, p =.011) were more likely to be a current tobacco smoker. Those who were older (OR = 0.99, p <.001) or diagnosed with a mood disorder (OR = 0.87, p =.018) were less likely to smoke tobacco. Limitations: The study was unable to differentiate between suicide attempts and self-harm self-poisonings. Conclusions: Among a deliberate self-poisoning population those who were younger, diagnosed with a variety of substance use disorders, or had a history of previous self-poisoning were more likely to use tobacco. Those with a mood disorder were less likely to smoke tobacco.