Prevalence Of Medication Use Research Articles

COVID-19 Infection and Medicines in Pregnancy in Canada

IntroductionAlthough over 100 million pregnant women worldwide are at risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2, little data exists on the impact of COVID-19 and related treatments on maternal/neonatal health.Objectives1) To quantify the prevalence of medication use in pregnancy to treat COVID-19; 2) To quantify and compare the risk of adverse pregnancy/neonatal outcomes in those with and without COVID-19.MethodsIn the Canadian Mother-Child population-based cohort (CAMCCO), two key sub-cohorts were identified using prospective data collection of medical services, prescription drugs, hospitalization archives data, and COVID-19 surveillance testing program (02/28/2020-2021). The first cohort included all pregnant women with at least one completed trimester of pregnancy during the study period regardless of pregnancy status (delivery, induced/planned or spontaneous abortion); this cohort was further stratified on COVID-19 status. The second cohort included all non-pregnant women (aged 15-45) with a positive COVID-19 test. COVID-19 infection in pregnant or non-pregnant women was assessed using COVID-19 test results or ICD-10CM codeU07.1 from hospital data. COVID-19 severity was categorized based on hospital admission. Women were considered exposed to COVID-19 medications if they filled at least one prescription for a medicine included in the WHO list in the 30 days pre- or 30 days post-COVID-19 positive test/diagnosis. Considering potential confounders, association between COVID-19 during pregnancy, treated vs not, and perinatal outcomes were quantified using log-binomial regression models.Results150,345 pregnant women (3,464 (2.3%) had COVID-19), and 112,073 non-pregnant women with COVID-19 diagnoses were included. Pregnant women with COVID-19 were more likely to have severe infections compared to non-pregnant women with COVID-19 (11.4% vs 1.6%, p< 0.001). The most frequent medications used in pregnancy to treat COVID-19 were antibacterials (13.96%), psychoanaleptics (7.35%), and medicines for obstructive airway disease (3.20%). In pregnancy COVID-19 was associated with spontaneous abortions (adjRR 1.76, 95%CI 1.3, 2.25), gestational diabetes (adjRR 1.52, 95%CI 1.18, 1.97), prematurity (adjRR 1.30, 95%CI 1.01, 1.67), NICU admissions (adjRR 1.32, 95%CI 1.10, 1.59); COVID-19 severity was increasing these risks but COVID-19 treatment with study medications reduced all risks.ConclusionsSeverity of COVID-19 was greater in pregnancy. Antibacterials, psychoanaleptics, and medicines for obstructive airway disease were the most used overall. Severe COVID-19 in pregnancy was associated with higher risks of adverse maternal, and neonatal outcomes.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Abstract 4829: Pre-diagnostic comorbid conditions and survival among black women with ovarian cancer

Abstract Introduction: Black women with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) have worse survival compared to other racial groups, and the causes of these poor outcomes remain unclear. Compared to other racial groups, Black women are disproportionately affected by comorbid conditions which can adversely impact cancer care and outcomes. Thus, we examined the association of pre-diagnostic comorbid conditions and their associated medications with survival among Black women with EOC. Methods: Using data from Black women with EOC in the African American Cancer Epidemiology Study, we evaluated the self-reported Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and three cardiometabolic comorbidities (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia). We also characterized whether women with each cardiometabolic condition were using medication for their condition. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank tests were used to examine survival by the CCI, each cardiometabolic comorbidity, and medication use. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to examine the association of comorbid conditions and medications with survival while adjusting for age at diagnosis, stage, histotype, and study site. Results: Among 592 Black women with EOC, 35% had a CCI ≥2, and the prevalence of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension was 19%, 31%, and 62%, respectively. Among women with each cardiometabolic condition, the prevalence of medication use for diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia was 73%, 78%, and 60%. In bivariate analyses, women with a higher CCI, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension had worse survival compared to women without these conditions (P<0.05). However, when adjusting for prognostic factors, only a high CCI (≥2 vs. 0) and diabetes were significantly associated with higher hazard of death (HR=1.36, 95% CI=1.06-1.74 and HR=1.40, 95% CI=1.08-1.81, respectively). Investigating the independent associations of each condition included in the CCI with survival revealed that diabetes was largely driving the association of CCI with survival. When considering medication use, women with diabetes, irrespective of medication use, women with hypertension not on medication, and women with hyperlipidemia on medication had worse survival compared to women without these conditions in bivariate models (P<0.05). Compared to women without diabetes, women with diabetes on medication and women with diabetes not on medication had a statistically significant higher hazard of death in multivariable models (HR=1.39, 95% CI=1.02-1.88 and HR=1.63, 95% CI=1.04-2.57, respectively). No associations with survival were observed when considering medication use for hypertension and hyperlipidemia after adjusting for prognostic factors. Conclusion: Similar to prior studies among White women with EOC, diabetes, regardless of medication status, was strongly associated with poorer survival among Black women with EOC. Citation Format: Alicia Richards, Courtney E. Johnson, Anthony J. Alberg, Elisa V. Bandera, Melissa Bondy, Michele L. Cote, Theresa A. Hastert, Kristen Haller, Jeffrey R. Marks, Edward S. Peters, Paul D. Terry, Andrew B. Lawson, Joellen M. Schildkraut, Lauren C. Peres. Pre-diagnostic comorbid conditions and survival among black women with ovarian cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4829.

Self-medication prevalence and associated factors among adult population in Northern India: A community-based cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to determine self-medication prevalence and its associated factors. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the urban and rural catchment areas of Uttar Pradesh, India, among 440 adults using a pretested, semistructured questionnaire. The Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to determine the association of self-medication prevalence with various independent variables. The associations were reported as adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. The prevalence of medication use was 66.4%. The majority of participants (45%) took medicine for fever, cough (40.1%), and cold (31.8%). Allopathy (83.2%) was the most common medicine system used for self-medication. More than half reported taking medicine such as paracetamol (52%), followed by cough syrup (21%) and antihistaminic (17%). Convenience (46%) and lack of time (35.3%) were commonly cited reasons for self-medication. Also, 64.4% of the respondents practiced self-medication on the pharmacist's recommendation. Urban participants (adjusted odds ratio: 9.85, 95% confidence interval: 5.32-18.23), females (adjusted odds ratio: 2.32, 95% confidence interval: 1.18-4.57), skilled workers (adjusted odds ratio: 5.62, 95% confidence interval: 1.80-17.5), and those who completed primary school (adjusted odds ratio: 2.48, 95% confidence interval: 1.16-5.25) were more likely to self-medicate than rural, male, unemployed, and illiterate participants, respectively. Also, participants whose income was 30,000 Indian rupees (adjusted odds ratio: 3.21, 95% confidence interval: 1.00-10.21) were more likely to self-medicate than those whose income was less than 4000. A high prevalence of self-medication was found, particularly in urban areas. Convenience and lack of time were commonly cited reasons for self-medication. Allopathy was the most widely used medicine system for self-medication. Antipyretics, cough syrups, and antiallergics were most commonly self-medicated. Gender, education, and income were associated with self-medication. The study highlighted the increased usage among females which could be further explored and role of pharmacists' recommendation as a major driver for self-medication.

Medication Use and Associated Factors Among Indonesian Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Medication use during pregnancy should be considered carefully due to its potential harm to the fetus. Data on prescribed medication and self-medication among Indonesian pregnant women is lacking. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors related to medication use among pregnant women attending antenatal care services at community health posts in Soreang, a suburban area in Indonesia. A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted. Data on medication use, excluding supplements, were collected. Medication was categorized using the former United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) pregnancy risk classification system. Proportions of pregnant women using prescribed medication and self-medication during pregnancy and associated factors were calculated. A total of 439 pregnant women were enrolled. There were 155 (35.5%) subjects who used at least one medication during pregnancy. These subjects had medical problems as the reasons for medication use. Among medication users, prescribed medication and self-medication were demonstrated in 138 (89.0%) and 17 (11.0%) pregnant women, respectively. There was a pregnant woman who was exposed to category D medication. Self-medication among pregnant women was less likely when health insurance was available (adjusted OR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.027-0.413, P = 0.001). The prevalence of medication use among Indonesian pregnant women is high. The presence of health insurance was protective against self-medication among pregnant women. Safe and effective practices in prescribing have to be ensured for pregnant women.

Changing Prevalence of Medication Use in People with Cirrhosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Data.

Safe and appropriate use of medicines is essential to improve health outcomes in cirrhosis. However, little is known about the number and type of medicines dispensed to people with cirrhosis in Australia, as this predominantly occurs in the community. We aimed to characterise the prescriptions dispensed to people with cirrhosis and explore changes in the use of medication groups over time. Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme data between 1 January 2016 and 30 June 2020 was extracted for consenting CirCare participants (multi-site, prospective, observational study). Prescriptions dispensed from cirrhosis diagnosis until liver transplant or death were included. Safety classifications for dispensed medicines were defined using published evidence-based recommendations. The pattern of medication use was analysed in 6-monthly time intervals. Generalised estimating equations models were used to estimate the change in consumption of medicines over time. Five hundred twenty-two patients (mean age 60years, 70% male, 34% decompensated at recruitment) were dispensed 89,615 prescriptions during the follow-up period, representing a median of 136 [interquartile range (IQR) 62-237] prescriptions and a median of 16 (IQR 11-23) unique medicines per patient (total n=9306 medicines). The most commonly used medicines were proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) (dispensed at least once to 73% of patients), opioids (68%) and antibiotics (89%). Polypharmacy was prevalent, with 59-69% of observed participants in each time period dispensed five or more unique medicines. Prescription medication use increased over time (p<0.001) independently of age, comorbidity burden and liver disease aetiology. The likelihood of taking PPIs, opioids, antidepressants and inhaled medicines also increased with each successive time period. Use of angiotensin therapies, metformin and statins differed over time between patients with compensated versus decompensated cirrhosis. General practitioners prescribed 69% of dispensed medicines, including a higher proportion of 'unsafe' and 'safety unknown' medicines compared with consultants/specialists (p<0.001). Polypharmacy is common in people with cirrhosis and some medication groups may be overused. Pharmacovigilance is required and future medication safety efforts should target high-risk prescribing practices and promote medication rationalisation in the community.

Medication use during pregnancy in Arab countries: A narrative review

Pregnancy is an important event in women’s life as it involves various physiological and anatomical alterations to match and accommodate with the development of the fetus. Due to c-morbidities and pregnancy related complications, pregnant women often requires medical management which includes medication use. We reviewed the literature for studies that assessed medication use among pregnant women in the Arabian countries. Prevalence of medication use among pregnant women from Arabian countries varied from 40% to 98.2%. The most commonly used medications were vitamin and supplements, analgesics, antibiotics, and herbal medicines. The most frequently reported justification for self-medication were: inconvenience, less expensive, previous experience with disease, and that the diseases are not serious. In conclusion, the use of medications during pregnancy were found to be prevalent among pregnant women in the Arabian countries.

Belgian medication exposure during pregnancy (BeMeP), a new nationwide linked database: Linkage methods and prevalence of medication use.

This study aimed to describe the implementation of a new retrospective Belgian national cohort of pregnant women, the Belgian Medication Exposure during Pregnancy (BeMeP). We linked the national dispensing data to birth and death certificates and hospital stay data for a 7-year period between 2010 and 2016 for the first time in Belgium. We presented the characteristics of pregnancy events associated with the mothers enrolled in the linkage study. Next, we constructed a cohort of pregnancies and compared some characteristics computed using the BeMeP database with the national statistics. Finally, we described the use of medications during pregnancy based on the first level of the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification. We included 630 457 pregnant women with 900 024 pregnancy-related events (843 780 livebirths, 1937 stillbirths, 6402 ectopic events, and 47 905 abortions) linked to medication exposure information. Overall, 96.3% of live births and 83.5% of stillbirths (national statistics as reference) were captured from the BeMeP. During pregnancy, excluding the week of birth, 78.9% of live birth pregnancies and 79.6% of stillbirth pregnancies were exposed to at least one medication. The most frequently dispensed medications were anti-infectives (ATC code J = 50.2%) for live births and for stillbirths (44.0%). We linked information on pregnancies, all reimbursed medications dispensed by community pharmacists, all medications dispensed during hospitalization, sociodemographic status, and infant health to create the BeMeP database. The database represents a valuable potential resource for studying exposure-outcome associations for medication use during pregnancy.

Trends in Prescription Chronic Pain Medication Use before and during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Québec, Canada: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis.

In Canada, a state of health emergency was declared in May 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to assess trends in the use of prescription medication for pain management by people living with chronic pain before and during the first wave of the pandemic. Participants (n = 177) were adults reporting chronic pain who had completed a web-based questionnaire in 2019 and for whom complete longitudinal private and public insurance prescription claims were available. The monthly prevalence of medication use for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, and prescribed cannabinoids was assessed. An interrupted time series analysis was then performed to evaluate if the COVID-19 pandemic had had an impact on trends in pain medication use. The beginning of the first wave of the pandemic was associated with the onset of a downward trend in opioid use (p < 0.05); no such association was found regarding NSAIDs. However, point prevalence of opioid use at the beginning (Nov. 2019) and at the end (Mai 2020) of the study period remained somewhat stable (17.0% vs. 16.4%). Regarding prescribed cannabinoids, a gradual increase in use was observed over the entire study period independently from the impact of the first wave of the pandemic (15.3% vs. 22.6%, p < 0.05). While the occurrence of the first wave did have an impact on opioid use among people living with chronic pain, access to and use of opioids appear to have returned to normal before the end of the first wave of COVID-19.

0936 Characteristics and predictors of prescription sleep medication use in a national sample of Veterans with chronic pain

Abstract Introduction Insomnia and other sleep problems commonly occur in patients with chronic pain. While behavioral approaches are recommended first-line treatments for conditions such as insomnia, patients with sleep complaints often receive sleep medications. Thus, we aim to understand patterns of prescription sleep medication use in Veterans with chronic pain receiving care at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Methods We reviewed electronic medical records to identify patients with moderate/severe chronic pain receiving care at a VA hospital between FY2019—2021. Multivariate logistic regressions examined associations between 14 patient demographic and clinical variables on sleep medication prescription. Short-term prescriptions associated with upcoming procedures were excluded. Results Of the 1,706,214 moderate/severe patients with chronic pain (88% male, 66% White), 14% had comorbid diagnosis of insomnia, 30% sleep disordered breathing, and 19% were prescribed sleep medications. Trazodone (40%), melatonin (23%), and benzodiazepines (14%) were most commonly prescribed. Although 14% of patients without insomnia or sleep apnea diagnostic codes were prescribed medication, patients with insomnia were four times more likely to use sleep medication (odds ratio (OR) = 4.05, 95% CI [4.01-4.09]). Strongest predictors of medication use were insomnia (adjusted OR = 2.84, 95% CI [2.81-2.86]), PTSD (adjusted OR = 2.77, 95% CI [2.75-2.79]), depression (adjusted OR = 1.89, 95% CI [1.87-1.91]), bipolar disorder (adjusted OR = 1.84, 95% CI [1.81-1.87]), and ongoing opioid use (adjusted OR = 1.82, 95% CI [1.80-1.84]). Prevalence of medication use was similar across gender, age, and racial/ethnic groups. Conclusion Sleep medication use is common in Veterans with chronic pain, with highest rates among patients with insomnia diagnoses. Additionally, a large number of patients without a sleep disorder diagnosis also receive medications. Findings highlight need to connect chronic pain patients with behavioral sleep interventions. Notably, we observed a wide variety of medications without strong patterns across demographic characteristics. Support (if any) This work was conducted as a non-research quality improvement effort supported by Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (PEC 13-001) and the VA Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation. YIL is supported by a VA MIRT Fellowship. JAC is supported by a VA HSR&amp;D CDA (IK2 HX002866). LMD is supported by a VA HSR&amp;D CDA (CDA 18-187).

Pharmacoepidemiology and costs of medications dispensed during pregnancy: A retrospective population-based study.

To describe the pharmacoepidemiology and costs associated with medications dispensed during pregnancy. Pharmacoepidemiological study and cost analysis. Queensland, Australia. All women who gave birth in Queensland between January 2013 and June 2018. We used a whole-of-population linked administrative dataset, Maternity1000, to describe medications approved for public subsidy that were dispensed to 255 408 pregnant women. We describe the volume of medications dispensed and their associated costs from a Government and patient perspective. Prevalence of medication use; proportion of total dispensings; total medication costs in AUD 2020/21 ($1AUD = $0.67USD/£0.55GBP in December 2022). During pregnancy, 61% (95% CI 60.96-61.29%) of women were dispensed at least one medication approved for public subsidy. The mean number of items dispensed per pregnancy increased from 2.14 (95% CI 2.11-2.17) in 2013 to 2.47 (95% CI 2.44-2.51) in 2017; an increase of 15%. Furthermore, mean Government cost per dispensing increased by 41% from $21.60 (95% CI $20.99-$22.20) in 2013 to $30.44 (95% CI $29.38-$31.49) in 2017. These factors influenced the 53% increase in total Government expenditure observed for medication use during pregnancy between 2013 and 2017 ($2,834,227 versus $4,324,377); a disproportionate rise compared with the 17% rise in women's total out-of-pocket expenses observed over the same timeframe ($1,880,961 versus $2,204,415). Prevalence of medication use in pregnancy is rising and is associated with disproportionate and rapidly escalating cost implications for the Government.

Association between sociodemographic factors and cholesterol-lowering medication use in U.S. adults post-myocardial infarction.

Cholesterol-lowering medications offer effective secondary prevention after myocardial infarction (MI). Our objective was to evaluate the association between sociodemographic factors and cholesterol-lowering medication use in high-risk adults. We conducted an analysis using weighted data from 31,408 participants in the 2017 and 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Systems cross-sectional surveys, who had a self-reported history of MI and high blood cholesterol. The sociodemographic factors evaluated were sex, age, race and ethnicity, annual household income, education level, relationship status, and reported healthcare coverage. We estimated the weighted prevalence of medication use, and weighted prevalence differences (with 95% confidence intervals) across categories, adjusting for sex, age group, healthcare coverage, smoking status, hypertension, and diabetes. Overall, 83% of survey participants with a self-reported history of both MI and high blood cholesterol reported currently using a cholesterol-lowering medication. The prevalence of use was only 61% in those without self-reported healthcare coverage, compared to 85% of those with healthcare coverage (adjusted prevalence difference of -20%; 95% CI: -25% to -14%). Use of cholesterol-lowering medication was relatively low in younger adults and higher in older adults, leveling off after age 65 years. The proportion of Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islanders who were using a cholesterol-lowering medication was relatively low, but otherwise there was little variation by race and ethnicity. Household income, education level, and relationship status were weakly or not associated with medication use. Knowledge of characteristics of persons who are relatively less likely to be adherent with cholesterol-lowering medications for secondary prevention may be useful to policymakers and healthcare providers involved in the long-term treatment of MI patients. Policy makers might consider a reduced cost prescription coverage for persons without current healthcare coverage who have sustained an MI to reduce future cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Pattern and predictors of medication use among adults in southwestern Nigeria: A community-based cross-sectional study.

Population-based drug utilization studies are scanty in Nigeria. The aim was to determine the pattern and predictors of medication use among adults in the communities of Southwestern Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults selected by multi-stage sampling from Oyo State communities. The questionnaires, adapted from the WHO Students' Drug Use Questionnaire and previous studies, were pretested and interviewer administered. The respondents' socio-demographic characteristics, the pattern of medication use, prescribers, and sources of drug acquisition were obtained. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the predictor of medications used. Of the 999 respondents, 501 resided in rural communities while 498 dwelled in urban areas. The mean (±SD) age of the respondents was 38 ± 15 years. The median (range)% prevalence of medication use were as follows: lifetime use, 58.2 (17.7-81.0); current use, 31.2 (8.9-65.9); and past use, 20.3 (9.2-28.9). Medications were mainly obtained from patent medicine stores, median (range%), 71 (65-80). The commonly used drugs were paracetamol, 626 (67.6); nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, 174 (18.8); artemether/lumefantrine, 422 (68.2); ampicillin/cloxacillin, 220 (48.6); and chlorpheniramine, 59 (39.9). Factors predictive of current medication use, adjusted odd ratio (95% confidence interval) were as follows: antimalarial [male, 0.7 (0.5, 0.9)]; antibacterial [male, 0.6 (0.4-0.9)]; analgesics [married, 1.5 (1.1-2.2); presence of health facilities, 0.5 (0.3-0.7); and shorter distance to health facility, 1.5 (1.1-2.1)]. Antimalarials, antibacterial, and analgesics were commonly used and inappropriately obtained by adults in Southwestern Nigeria. Factors predictive of current medication use were gender, marital status, the presence of health facilities, and distance to health facilities. There is a need for more extensive countrywide medication use studies and enlightenment programs to ensure the appropriate use of medications.

Ya Chud and Polypharmacy Situation of Muang District in Suphanburi Province

Ya Chud is a type of self-medication that is used to treat various ailments such as pain and common cold. It’s also considered a form of polypharmacy that is particularly affiliated with drug-related problems (DRPs). This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Ya Chud use and polypharmacy situation, and assess the factors that were associated with this situation. In total, 353 people participated in the study. All participants lived in the Muang district, Suphanburi province. Data collection was performed using an interview questionnaire. We calculated descriptive statistics for general demographic information and the prevalence of medication use. Moreover, we utilized logistic regression to evaluate the factors related to polypharmacy. The majority of the participants were female, and about half of them were more than 60 years old. The prevalence of Ya Chud usage was about 37%. The symptoms or diseases of Ya Chud use were pain and the common cold. The prevalence of polypharmacy (using more than 5 medications) among Ya Chud users was 58.46%, while the prevalence was 32.58% among all participants. Having cardiovascular disease was associated with polypharmacy in the age-adjusted model (OR = 3.05, 95% CI = 1.28-7.59). Ya Chud use contributed to an increase in polypharmacy. To prevent and reduce this problem, health care practitioners should set up more vigorous programs on pharmacy health literacy to increase people’s awareness, particularly in those who have cardiovascular diseases. A surveillance system for polypharmacy and Ya Chud use would also help address this continuing problem in the community.

Uso de medicamentos por gestantes da estratégia saúde da família no Nordeste do Brasil

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate the medication use, exposure to potential risks, and associated factors before and during pregnancy of pregnant women receiving care at the Family Health Strategy in a municipality in the Northeast of Brazil. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of pregnant women receiving care in the municipality of Barreiras, in Bahia, Brazil. In data analysis process, prevalence and frequency of medication use were estimated. To investigate the association between variables, the outcome measure was expressed by the prevalence ratio (crude and adjusted) with a 95% confidence interval via Poisson regression. Results: The prevalence of medication use before pregnancy was 35% and during pregnancy, it was 80.7%. Analgesics and antianemics were the prevalent groups of medications before and during pregnancy, respectively. Family income (≤1 minimum wage; PR=1.62; CI95%=1.02-2.55) showed an association with prior use; health problems (PR=2.3; CI95%=1.27-4.22) and complaints in pregnancy (PR=2.39; CI95%=1.28-4.47) had an association with use during pregnancy. Conclusion: The characterization of a high prevalence of use of medicines by pregnant women, combined with a trend of failures in family planning could demonstrate the exposure of the risks of using some harmful substances in periods close to conception and pregnancy.

Relationship between Physical Activity and Medicine Use in the Spanish Population

Health care costs in first world populations are rising, partly due to increased use of medicines. Sedentary lifestyles and global demographic ageing have contributed to this. A physically more active population could reduce the use of medicines. The aim is to analyse the relationships between physical activity level (PAL) and medication use in the Spanish population, by sexes and age groups. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 17,199 participants, from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017. A study of normality: Normality was studied using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. A descriptive analysis was performed to characterise the sample. Non-parametric statistical tests were used: chi-square statistics (ordinal variables) and a Mann–Whitney U test (continuous variables) to analyse intergroup differences. A correlation study was carried out—Spearman’s rho—between medication use and PAL. A multiple binary logistic regression was performed, taking medication use as the dependent variable and PAL, sex, age and social class, as independent variables. Two-sided p-values ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Relationships were found between PAL and the use of medication (p &lt; 0.001). Performing moderate and/or vigorous PA was related to a lower use of medication compared to just walking or being inactive (p &lt; 0.05). Weak correlations were found between PAL and medication use (p &lt; 0.001). People with a low physical activity level shown to be at higher risk of using medications. Conclusion: High levels of PA are related to lower medication use in the Spanish population. Among all population groups, physically inactive people had a higher prevalence of medication use. Future research is needed to establish causal relationships and to propose optimal physical activity doses for each population group.

Twenty-year medication use trends in first-episode bipolar disorder.

To study the medication use patterns in patients newly diagnosed with bipolar disorder (BD) in Finland during the past 20 years. All persons diagnosed with BD between 1996 and 2018, aged 16-65 years, with no previous BD diagnosis were identified from nationwide Finnish registers (N=26,395). The point prevalences of medication use were observed up until 5 years after the first diagnosis. Five sub-cohorts according to calendar year of first diagnosis were also formed and the prevalence of medication use was compared between sub-cohorts 3 months after diagnosis. Medication data were modeled with the PRE2DUP-method using dispensing data. The prevalence of overall medication use declined during the 5-year follow-up period in the total cohort. The highest prevalence of use was seen 3 months after diagnosis for the three main medication classes-antidepressants (40.8%), antipsychotics (30.8%) and mood stabilizers (29.2%). The prevalence of lithium use varied between 5.9% and 6.5% during the 5 years in the total cohort, and the lowest prevalence of use at 3 months was seen in sub-cohort diagnosed in 2016-2018 (4.1%) versus 12.1% in 1996-2000 sub-cohort. The prevalence of benzodiazepine use was between 12.4% and 13.5% and the prevalence of Z-drugs was between 7.3% and 7.9% during the 5 years. The prevalence of long-acting injectable antipsychotic (LAI) use was the highest in patients diagnosed in 2016-2018, although still only 0.8%. (i) The use of antidepressants is too prevalent, (ii) the use of lithium is declining and needs to be increased, and (iii) LAIs are markedly underutilized as compared to their oral counterparts.

Prevalence of medication use in a rural Brazilian population

Resumo Introdução Apesar da vulnerabilidade social existente na população rural brasileira, o uso de medicamentos entre agricultores é um tema ainda pouco estudado no país. Objetivo Analisar o uso de medicamentos e sua associação com características sociodemográficas, laborais, comportamentais e autoavaliação do estado de saúde em agricultores. Método Estudo epidemiológico transversal com 790 agricultores de 18 a 59 anos, de ambos os sexos, do município de Santa Maria de Jetibá. Os medicamentos foram agrupados segundo o Sistema de Classificação Anatômico-Terapêutico-Químico (ATC) nos níveis 1 e 2. Foram realizadas análise descritiva (frequências absolutas e relativas) e associações entre as variáveis e o uso de medicamentos pelo teste de qui-quadrado. As variáveis que se mostraram associadas com o desfecho com nível de significância de 5% no teste de qui-quadrado foram testadas por regressão logística binária. Resultados A prevalência de uso de medicamentos foi de 44,2%, sendo menor no sexo masculino (30,3%) do que no feminino (59,4%). Após a análise ajustada, o uso de medicamentos esteve associado ao sexo feminino, à faixa etária de 40 anos ou mais e à pior autoavaliação do estado de saúde. A prevalência de polifarmácia foi de 6,6%. Os medicamentos mais utilizados foram os anti-hipertensivos (19,3%). Conclusão O estudo evidenciou a importância de se avaliar populações rurais a fim de subsidiar políticas e recursos em saúde pública.

Gestação de alto risco: caracterização do perfil de utilização de medicamentos e associação com fatores clínicos e sociodemográficos

Abstract Objectives: describe the profile of medication use and adherence, and the association with clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of high-risk pregnant women attended at a university hospital. Methods: cross-sectional study with data collected through a questionnaire applied on 386 pregnant women. Results: most participants were seen only by the gynecologist (75.1%), started prenatal in the first gestational trimester (86.8%), did not plan the pregnancy (61.9%), and performed an average of 8.2 (SD=4.4) prenatal consultations. The most frequent diagnoses were arterial hypertension (20.5%) and diabetes mellitus (19.7%). Prevalence of medication use was 99.7%, with an average of 5.1 (SD=2.1) medication per woman and 12.7% self-medication. Antianemics (88.9%) and analgesics (63.2%) were the most prevalent classes and 17.9% of the women reported the use of medication with significant gestational risk. Only 36.5% were considered adherent, 32.9% declared they were unaware of the indication of the medication in use and 42% did not receive guidance on the use of the medication during pregnancy. There is no evidence of association between the number of the medication used and clinical and sociodemographic aspects. Conclusions: there is a need to develop strategies to improve the care of this population, with emphasis on strengthening multi-professional care.

Uso de medicamentos entre adolescentes rurais quilombolas e não quilombolas no interior da Bahia, Brasil

This study aims to describe the use of prescribed and non-prescribed medications and associated factors among adolescents living in rural, quilombolas and non-quilombolas communities in the interior of Bahia, Brazil. This is a population-based survey with 390 adolescents between 10 and 19 years old in 2015. Prevalence and odds ratio for use of prescribed and non-prescribed medication, and multiple analysis was conducted by Multinomial Logistic Regression. Among the interviewees, 13.6% used only prescribed medications and 14.4% only used non-prescribed medications. Quilombolas demonstrated a greater diversity of pharmaceutical specialties used. The low prevalence of medication use in both groups of adolescents suggests less access to these products. Despite this, it was observed the irrational use of medication, mainly as self-medication. Quilombola adolescents, although they belong to the same area of coverage of other communities, presented different associated factors when compared to the non-quilombola group: the presence of toothache in the last 6 months and have had a regular source of care increased the use of prescribed medications.

Use and misuse of prescription stimulants by university students: a cross-sectional survey in the french-speaking community of Belgium, 2018

BackgroundMisuse of prescription stimulants (PS) has been reported among students to enhance academic performance in Flanders (Belgium). However, PS misuse among students in the French-speaking community is unknown. The main purpose of the study was to estimate the prevalence of medical use and misuse of PS by university students in the French-speaking community (Belgium), and to investigate the reasons and sources associated with PS misuse.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was performed in 2018. All university students 18 years and older were invited to participate and asked about PS use, including medical (i.e., used for therapeutic purposes) and nonmedical reasons and sources of PS.ResultsIn total, 12 144 students participated in the survey (median age = 21 years, 65.5% female). The estimated prevalence of PS use was 6.9% (ever use) and 5.5% (past-year). Among ever users, 34.7% were classified as medical users and 65.3% as misusers. Lifetime prevalence of misuse was estimated at 4.5%. The most common reason for medical use was treatment of attention disorder (85.9%). Reasons for misuse were mainly to improve concentration (76.1%) or to stay awake and study longer (50.7%). Friends or acquaintances inside the student community and general practitioners were the main sources of PS for misuse (41.5% and 23.5%, respectively).ConclusionsThis study found that rates of misuse of PS in French-speaking universities in Belgium were in line with studies conducted in Flanders and Europe. Academic institutions can use these results to tailor their drug prevention campaigns.