Bergen Open Research Archive >   Faculty of Medicine >   Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care >   Section for General Practice >

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1956/1915

Title:	Self-reported drug utilization, health, and lifestyle factors among 70–74 year old community dwelling individuals in Western Norway : the Hordaland Health Study (HUSK)
Authors:	Brekke, Mette Hunskaar, Steinar Straand, Jørund
Issue Date:	3-May-2006
Publisher:	BioMed Central
Series/Report no.:	BMC Public Health 6(121)
Abstract:	Background: 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. Methods: A 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. Results: Between 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. Conclusion: Among 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.
URI:	http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-6-121 http://hdl.handle.net/1956/1915
Appears in Collections:	Section for General Practice

Files in This Item: File Description Size Format Article.pdf 263,05 kB Adobe PDF View/Open

Items in BORA are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.