Award Date

1-1-2007

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

Public Health

First Committee Member

Chad L. Cross

Number of Pages

108

Abstract

Drugs, such as Cannibis, alcohol, cocaine and prescription medications can have deleterious effects on the body. This thesis analyzed toxicology results in relation to modes of death, and discusses who is at risk for deaths related to drug abuse. The modes of death studied were homicides, suicides, accidents, and natural causes. Data (N=2426) from Clark County, Nevada's Coroner's office were statistically analyzed using Chi-square analysis; Major findings included relationships between drugs, ethnicity, age, gender and mode of death. Opioids and morphine derivatives were the most common drugs found in Caucasians, females and those who died of natural and accident-related deaths. Homicides were most commonly associated with ethanol and stimulants. The prevalence of ethanol was also most common within African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, males, high school aged decedents and in suicides. The purpose of this study is to inform the public and public health professionals of the associations found with drugs and death.

Keywords

Clark County; Drug; Findings; Mortality; Nevada; Postmortem; Related

Controlled Subject

Public health

File Format

pdf

File Size

2846.72 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

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