Self-reported drug utilization, health, and lifestyle factors among 70–74 year old community dwelling individuals in Western Norway. The Hordaland Health Study (HUSK)

Mette Brekke,Steinar Hunskaar,Jørund Straand

doi:10.1186/1471-2458-6-121

Mette Brekke, Steinar Hunskaar + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-6-121

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Abstract

BackgroundTo examine the level and patterns of self-reported medication use (prescription and non-prescription drugs) among 70–74 year old individuals living in the community, and to explore self-reported indications for use, and factors possibly predictive of drug use.MethodsA health survey carried out in 1997–99 in the county of Hordaland (Western Norway) in the setting of a population study. A self-administered questionnaire was mailed to 4338 persons born in 1925–27, and a health check-up was offered. Drug use the previous day was reported (point prevalence). 3341 (77.0%) persons who responded, comprise the material for the analyses.ResultsBetween one third (males) and one quarter (females) did not take any drug the previous day. Mean number of drugs among users was 2.8 (men and women). 32% used three or more drugs and 11.5% five or more. Hypertension and other cardiovascular problems were by far the most common reasons for drug use, followed by respiratory, musculoskeletal and mental health problems. Self-reported poor health, a high Body Mass Index (BMI), and being an ex-smoker (but not currently a smoker) correlated with increasing number of drugs taken.ConclusionAmong 70–74-year old individuals living in the community no use of medication was more common than major polypharmacy (5+ drugs). Persons who had fallen ill and were put on regular medication, probably tended to quit smoking, while those who remained healthy, continued to smoke.

Highlights

To examine the level and patterns of self-reported medication use among 70–74 year old individuals living in the community, and to explore self-reported indications for use, and factors possibly predictive of drug use
In the present study we explore the level and patterns of medication use among 70–74 year old individuals living in the community, in relation to self-reported reasons for use, sociodemographic factors, and various health status and lifestyle parameters
In the present paper we focus on drugs with an Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC)-code

Summary

Introduction

To examine the level and patterns of self-reported medication use (prescription and non-prescription drugs) among 70–74 year old individuals living in the community, and to explore self-reported indications for use, and factors possibly predictive of drug use. Complex medical conditions are relatively frequent, which may indicate multiple drug therapy. Appropriate drug therapy can alleviate symptoms and reduce both morbidity and mortality, the use of numerous drugs implies increased risks of sideeffects, drug-drug and drug-disease interactions, inappropriate use, and non-compliance. Physiological changes, such as decreased renal function and mental impairment, make the elderly more vulnerable to drug related harm [8]. Polypharmacy can be defined either as the concomitant use of multiple drugs, or the use of more medications than are clinically indicated [11]. No specific number of drugs can be established to define polypharmacy, cut-off-points from three to five daily drugs per patient have been commonly used [11,9]

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