First-time hospital admissions with illicit drug problems in Indigenous and non-Indigenous Western Australians: an application of record linkage to public health surveillance

Objective: To monitor incidence rates of first-time hospital admission with an illicit drug problem in the Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations o f Western Australia in 1980-95. Method: Some 10,533 first admissions among 16,294 total admissions mentioni ng any of 19 groups of illicit drug problems were identified using linked h ospital separation data from the WA Health Services Research Linked Databas e. Results: Trends in age-standardised rates showed two distinct features: a r apid acceleration in first-time admission rates commencing from about 1991; and a cross-over of the rates in Indigenous and non-indigenous people. In 1980, the rates were 9.2 per 100,000PY in Indigenous and 16.4 per 100,000PY in non-indigenous people. By 1995, the respective rates were 180.7 and 95. 5 per 100,000PY. Largest proportional increases were observed in first-time admissions mentioning amphetamine dependence or abuse, although increases were seen also in problems due to opiates, hallucinogens, cocaine and canna bis. Conclusion: The results are consistent with data on the rising use of injec table amphetamines and other illicit drugs, especially among Aboriginal peo ple. Implications: Urgent attention is required to identify ways of reducing hea lth problems due to illicit substance use in both Indigenous and non-indige nous Australians.