Nonprescription use of pain relievers by middle-aged and elderly community-living adults: National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the frequency, distribution, and correlates of nonprescription use of pain relievers by middle-aged and elderly persons in the United States.


METHODS
Cross-sectional data analysis of a national community survey.


METHODS
The 2005 and 2006 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health.


METHODS
Ten thousand nine hundred fifty-three respondents aged 50 and older (6,717 aged 50-64 and 4,236 aged > or = 65).


METHODS
Social and demographic variables, detailed assessment of nonprescription use (and abuse) of prescription pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen with codeine, morphine), substance use, major depression, self-reported medical illnesses, and self-rated health.


RESULTS
A small proportion of the sample (1.4%) reported nonprescription use of prescription pain relievers during the previous year. Combinations of acetaminophen and hydrocodone or propoxyphene were the most commonly used drugs. Use was associated with younger age (odds ratio (OR)=2.39, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.31-4.36), American Indian and Alaska native (OR=8.78, 95% CI=2.50-30.85), and use of marijuana (OR=7.07, 95% CI=3.99-12.53). Fewer than 10% of nonprescription users were abusing these medications or dependent upon them.


CONCLUSIONS
In a representative sample of middle-aged and older adults, nonprescription use of prescription pain relievers is relatively uncommon, but the much higher use by middle-aged adults suggests that, as this cohort ages, the problem may increase in elderly people.
Blazer
Dan G
DG
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA. blaze001@mc.duke.edu
Wu
Li-Tzy
LT
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000700:Analgesics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
D000700:Analgesics; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs