Diagnostic investigation rates and use of prescription and non-prescription medications amongst dyspeptics: a population-based study of 2300 Australians.
BACKGROUND
: There is limited knowledge of the diagnostic investigation rates and use of prescription and non-prescription drugs amongst dyspeptics.


OBJECTIVE
: To assess the investigation rates and use of prescription and non-prescription anti-ulcer medications amongst dyspeptics in the population.


METHODS
: A cross-sectional survey was performed of 2300 Australians.


RESULTS
: Of 748 dyspeptics, 422 (56%) had consulted a doctor regarding dyspepsia at some time in their life. Of the consulters, 64% had undergone investigations at some time: 37% an endoscopy, 54% a barium meal and 27% both. A diagnosis of peptic ulcer was reported by 31% of those investigated. The symptom profile of gastroscopy patients differed significantly from that of uninvestigated dyspeptics. Of the consulters, 36% had taken anti-ulcer prescription drugs in the last 3 months: Histamine-2 receptor antagonists (73% of prescriptions), proton pump inhibitors (17%), cytoprotectants (5%) and prokinetic drugs (5%). Antacids were taken by 30% of non-consulting dyspeptics, 44% of consulters not on prescription drugs and 58% of dyspeptics taking prescription drugs. Advancing age, but not gender, was associated with diagnostic investigation and prescription and non-prescription drug usage.


CONCLUSIONS
: There are high rates of diagnostic investigation amongst dyspeptics who consult doctors. Many individuals with dyspepsia decide to self-medicate with antacids regardless of consulting or prescriptions, suggesting that current management is suboptimal.
Westbrook
J I
JI
Centre for Health Informatics, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia. J.Westbrook@unsw.edu.au
Talley
N J
NJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000863:Antacids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001464:Barium / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004415:Dyspepsia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005773:Gastroscopy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012737:Sex Factors
D000863:Antacids; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D001464:Barium