DRUG-USE IN AN ELDERLY CHINESE POPULATION - PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATEDFACTORS

This study examined the pattern of drug use in an elderly population a ged 70 years and over, and the factors associated with drug use. The s tudy population was selected by stratified random sampling of all regi stered recipients of Old Age and Disability Allowance in Hong Kong. 99 7 men and 1,035 women were interviewed as part of a survey on physical , functional, mental health and social status of the elderly in Hong K ong. 71% of the sample took drugs, the prevalence being higher in wome n. The most common drugs taken were antihypertensives, skin preparatio ns, vitamins and minerals, other cardiovascular drugs, antacids or Hz antagonists, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics (all over 10%). Overall, 66% were using medications that were unlabelled. Factor s associated with drug use that were examined included socioeconomic f actors, educational level, physical health, cognitive function, depres sive symptoms, functional ability, life satisfaction, and living arran gements. Multivariate analysis using forward stepwise logistic regress ion showed that the use of prescription drugs was associated with the presence of chronic disease, poor self-perceived health and being fema le. Use of > 5 drugs was associated with similar factors: presence of chronic disease, being female, and residence in institutions. The fact ors for use of non-prescription drugs were different: living in the co mmunity, presence of joint pain restricting activities, dissatisfactio n with living arrangements, and age. Reducing the number of unlabelled drugs, restricting access to non-prescription drugs, improving access to doctors and patient education all might well be important measures in improving the therapeutic needs of this elderly population.