VA pharmacy users: how they differ from other veterans.
OBJECTIVE
To compare users and nonusers of Veterans Affairs (VA) pharmacy services by age group.


METHODS
Cross-sectional.


METHODS
We used data on sociodemographics, health status, and medical conditions from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) to compare users and nonusers of VA pharmacies for medications. Data were pooled for 2003-2005 to ensure adequate sample sizes. Student t tests were used to compare the means for each variable, and all analyses were adjusted for the complex sample design of the MEPS.


RESULTS
Among both nonelderly (18-64 years) and elderly (>or=65 years) veterans, a higher proportion who used VA pharmacy services versus those who did not use VA pharmacy services (1) were black (nonelderly: 17.7 % vs 7.4%, P <.001; elderly: 9.4% vs 4.7%, P <.001); (2) had no alternative insurance (nonelderly: 27.2% vs 4.8%, P <.001; elderly: 36.3% vs 19.9%, P <.001); (3) had lower incomes (nonelderly: 32.4% vs 11.5%, P <.001; elderly: 32.4% vs 25.4%, P = .01); (4) had less than a high school education (nonelderly: 13.0% vs 6.5%, P <.001; elderly: 27.5% vs 17.6%, P <.001); (5) were disabled; and (6) reported poorer health. A higher percentage of nonelderly users reported a mental health condition (31.6% vs 19.4%, P <.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Veterans who use VA pharmacy services appear to be more ill than those who do not use VA pharmacy services. In addition, the VA appears to be a safety net for uninsured veterans who have mental health problems.
VA Center for Medication Safety, Hines, IL, USA. sherrie.aspinall@va.gov
Sherrie L
SL
Aspinall
Jessica S
JS
Banthin
Chester B
CB
Good
G Edward
GE
Miller
Francesca E
FE
Cunningham
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010593:Pharmaceutical Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States; D014493:United States Department of Veterans Affairs; D055815:Young Adult