[Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug prescriptions in the ambulatory of general practice in the centre of Portugal].
OBJECTIVE
To characterize the prescription of non steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in General Practice. As secondary objectives to compare the NSAIDs prescription in older and younger persons in order to evaluate if persons older than 65 years were more likely to receive such prescriptions and to understand if in a rural setting of work the prescription of NSAIDs was different when compared to an urban one.


METHODS
A cross sectional observational study, in a primary care setting in the center of Portugal.


RESULTS
In a population of 160.662 individuals, with a < 65 years/ > or =65 years ratio of 3.73, the Daily Defined Dose prescription of NSAIDs was higher in the older group (1.99+-0.43 vs 0.66+-0.22; p<0,001) and in the rural setting (1.13+-0.27 vs 0.78+-0.17; p<0,001).


CONCLUSIONS
The amount of NSAID prescriptions was higher among the elderly and in the rural setting of work. Given the implications of treatment with NSAIDs, action should be taken to assure the correct indications for NSAIDs prescription, particularly in older patients.
Santiago
Luiz Miguel
LM
Centro de Saúde de Eiras, Sub-região de Saúde de Coimbra, Quinta de Voimarães, 3000-377 Coimbra. lmsantiago@netcabo.pt
Marques
Margarida
M
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005194:Family Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011174:Portugal; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal