Medication usage among young adult women: a comparison between Sweden, the USA, and Greece.
This study evaluated whether or not medication usage among young adult women differed across three countries. An additional aim was to evaluate the association between medication use and sociodemographic factors and exercise habits. A sample of 1098 young adult women were selected in Sweden, the USA, and Greece. Consistent medication usage by young adult women in the three countries related to oral contraceptives and vitamins; nevertheless, there were differences. The main differences were found in the use of laxatives, iron supplements, analgesics, antidepressants, and antacid medication. The most outstanding differences were the frequent use of laxatives in Sweden and vitamins in the USA. Different association patterns were found between medication use and culture, sociodemographic factors, and exercise. The assessment of medication use among young adult women can be performed very easily and provides an immediate indication of their well-being and needs for preventative care.
Lidell
Evy
E
School of Social and Health Sciences, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden. evy.lidell@hos.hh.se
Luepker
Russell
R
Baigi
Amir
A
Lagiou
Areti
A
Hildingh
Cathrine
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000863:Antacids; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003710:Demography; D011307:Drug Prescriptions; D005260:Female; D006115:Greece; D006801:Humans; D054368:Laxatives; D008910:Minnesota; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013548:Sweden; D014481:United States
D000863:Antacids; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D054368:Laxatives