CONSUMPTION OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS IN POPU LATION AGED 60 TO 65 YEARS IN MEXICO - THE 1993 NATIONAL SURVEY ON ADDICTIONS

Objective. To estimate the prevalence of consumption of medical drugs among the population 60 to 65 years old identified in the National Sur vey on Addictions 1993 and obtain data on the demographic characterist ics of these consumers. Material and methods. A cross-sectional, proba bilistic, stratified and cluster sample of subjects between 12 and 65 years old living in urban areas of the country was selected. Results. Of the 911 elderly subjects identified, 218 (23.9%) were consumers of prescription drugs, constituting 17% of men and 28% of women. The most frequently used drugs were central nervous system depressants (22% of women and 13% of men) followed by opiates (7% of women and 5% of men) . The onset age of consumption was 60 years old and men started earlie r than women. Of prescription drug users, 85% use depressors and opiat es by prescription, 3% self-medicate themselves and 5% follow a friend 's recommendation. Nine percent use prescription drugs longer than the prescribed time Conclusions. More extensive, specific studies of drug consumption by the elderly should be carried out to explore prevalenc e of use, which are used most frequently, frequency of adverse effects , effects on quality of life and social support networks for the elder ly, among other topics.