# Substance-related poisoning hospitalizations and homelessness in Canada: a descriptive study

## TL;DR

This study examines hospitalizations for substance-related poisonings in Canada, comparing people experiencing homelessness with those who are housed.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the demographics and outcomes of substance-related poisoning hospitalizations among homeless individuals in Canada.

## Key findings

- Homeless individuals hospitalized for substance-related poisonings were more likely to be male, younger, and have mental disorders.
- Substance-related poisonings among the homeless were more often accidental and involved opioids and stimulants like fentanyl and heroin.
- Homeless individuals had longer hospital stays and were more likely to leave against medical advice.

## Abstract

The objective of this analysis is to describe patient demographics, the context, characteristics and outcomes of a substance-related poisoning, and the recorded mental disorder of people with housing and those experiencing homelessness.

Hospitalization data for Canada (except Quebec) from 1 April 2019 to 31March 2020 were retrieved from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) Discharge Abstract Database using ICD-10-CA codes for up to 25 diagnoses for substance-related poisonings, homelessness status and other characteristics relevant to the patient’s hospitalization. We compared the characteristics of people experiencing homelessness with those of people who were housed, and their substance-related poisoning hospitalizations, using chi-square, t tests and Fisher exact test.

There was a higher proportion of males, younger individuals and people with recorded mental disorders among people experiencing homelessness hospitalized for a substance-related poisoning than among their housed counterparts. Substance-related poisonings among people experiencing homelessness were more likely to be accidental, involve opioids and stimulants (most frequently fentanyl and its analogues and heroin), result in lengthier hospitalizations and end with leaving the hospital against medical advice.

These findings can be used to strengthen strategies and interventions to reduce substance-related harms in priority populations, particularly those experiencing homelessness.