Factors related to psychotropic drugs consumption among the Spanish adult population. Data from the Spanish National Health Surveys for 1993, 1995 and 1997

BACKGROUND: In this study, the aim is the identification of the factor asso ciated with psychotropic drug use among the Spanish adult population. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A descriptive and cross-sectional survey is carried o ut using data from the Spanish National Health Surveys from 1993, 1995 and 1997. As subjects of the study we have chosen the spanish adult population (aged 16 plus). Independent variables: socio-demographic factors and health profile. Dependent variables are the overall consumption of psychotropic d rug, both prescribed and no prescribed. RESULTS: Prevalence of psychotropic drug consumption is higher among women (6.9% in 1993; 9.9% in 1995, and 9.7% in 1997) than among men (3.1% in 1993 ; 4.8% in 1995, and 4.7% in 1997). According to multivariance analysis, alc ohol consumption have negative association, anxiety or sleep disorder and d epression seem to be strongly associated (OR = 22.44; CI 95%, 13.06-38.56 w omen, and OR = 42.97; CI 95%, 17.69-104.40 men). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of psychotropic drug consumption is higher in women than in men. The most strongly associated variable is nervous or sleep dis order and depression.