Non-guideline-recommended prescribing of proton pump inhibitors in the general population.
To determine the magnitude of non-guideline-recommended prescribing (NGRP) of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in the general population, its associated factors and expense.



We undertook a cross-sectional observational study in three community pharmacies in a Spanish region in 2013 involving a total of 302 patients with a prescription for PPIs. The main variable was the NGRP of PPIs. Secondary variables were: gender, age, antidepressants, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, prescription cost per month and total number of chronic diseases. The cost associated with NGRP was calculated. To evaluate the associated factors, a multivariate binary logistic regression model was constructed and the adjusted odds ratios (OR) were obtained.



NGRP was observed in 192 cases (63.6%). The average cost associated with NGRP per prescription was 3.24 euros per month. The factors significantly associated with NGRP (p < .05) were: antidepressants (OR = 2.66, p = .001), osteoporosis (OR = 3.53, p = .001), osteoarthritis (OR = 3.57, p < .001) and number of chronic diseases (OR = 0.73, p = .003).



A novel approach was used to quantify the NGRP of PPIs in a Spanish community, as well as the associated economic costs. Qualitative studies are needed to better understand the causes of NGRP of PPIs. This analysis will aid in designing interventions to minimize this problem.



Qualitative studies are needed to better understand the attitude of health professionals when prescribing PPIs.
a Department of Clinical Medicine , Miguel Hernández University , San Juan de Alicante , Alicante , Spain.
Emma
E
Mares-García
a Department of Clinical Medicine , Miguel Hernández University , San Juan de Alicante , Alicante , Spain.
Antonio
A
Palazón-Bru
a Department of Clinical Medicine , Miguel Hernández University , San Juan de Alicante , Alicante , Spain.
Álvaro
Á
Martínez-Martín
a Department of Clinical Medicine , Miguel Hernández University , San Juan de Alicante , Alicante , Spain.
David Manuel
DM
Folgado-de la Rosa
b Research Unit, General University Hospital of Elda , Elda , Alicante , Spain.
Avelino
A
Pereira-Expósito
a Department of Clinical Medicine , Miguel Hernández University , San Juan de Alicante , Alicante , Spain.|b Research Unit, General University Hospital of Elda , Elda , Alicante , Spain.
Vicente Francisco
VF
Gil-Guillén
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors
D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors
Guideline adherence; health services; prescriptions; proton pump inhibitors