title: Prevalence of gastroprotective agent (GPA) use in adults with arthritis in the United States.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The prevalence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and concurrent gastroprotective agent (GPA) use in the US is not known. As such, the prevalence of GPA use among arthritis patients taking NSAIDs was examined.
  
  
  METHODS
  Men and women aged ≥ 40 with self-reported arthritis and members of a web-based community panel were invited via e-mail to participate in a web survey. Interested panelists consented and completed the survey. Participants using NSAIDs in the last 30 days were eligible. Questions regarding NSAID and GPA use were asked, likewise adherence to GPA (Morisky scale), comorbid conditions, gastrointestinal (GI) history, and other risk factors. Descriptive analyses and logistic regressions were performed to assess associations with GPA use and adherence.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Invitations were sent to 7605 adults; 4108 (54%) responded; 2208 completed. Final sample was 1525 (76%) with osteoarthritis (OA), 354 (18%) with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and 121 (6%) with both OA and RA. Mean age was 62.0; 64% were female; 83% white; 25% worked full-time, and 39% were retired. Mean duration with arthritis was 13.0 years; 47% and 19% experienced arthritis symptoms 'daily' and 'almost always', respectively. Nearly 43% reported using a GPA and 39% of daily NSAID users reported taking a GPA. Fifty-eight participants (2.9%) were classified as low GI risk, 342 (17.1%) were moderate risk, and 1600 (80.0%) were high risk. Variables significantly associated with GPA use included older age; male gender; being white (vs. Hispanic); taking an NSAID at least daily; taking fewer NSAIDs; taking a Cox-2 inhibitor or prescription NSAID; history of GI conditions; prescription antiplatelet use; and having GI symptoms. Similar variables were associated with GPA adherence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Less than half of adult men and women in the US taking a daily NSAID used GPAs and only 37% of high-risk participants were taking GPAs.
authors: United BioSource Corporation, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA. Karin.Coyne@unitedbiosource.com
authors: Karin S
authors: KS
authors: Coyne
authors: Mary Kay
authors: MK
authors: Margolis
authors: Joseph C
authors: JC
authors: Cappelleri
authors: Ray
authors: R
authors: Hsieh
authors: Margaret Noyes
authors: MN
authors: Essex
authors: Peter W
authors: PW
authors: Park
authors: Ashish V
authors: AV
authors: Joshi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D004366:Nonprescription Drugs; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors