Drug Use and Its Related Factors of the Elderly in a Rural and Urban area.
- Author:
Shin Ai PARK
1
;
Hong Soo LEE
;
Sang Hwa LEE
;
Ja Hyoung WIE
Author Information
1. Department of Family Medicine, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Elderly;
Medication
- MeSH:
Aged*;
Antihypertensive Agents;
Drug Users;
Education;
Epidemiologic Factors;
Gyeonggi-do;
Humans;
Middle Aged;
Surveys and Questionnaires;
Seoul
- From:Journal of the Korean Geriatrics Society
1997;1(2):104-119
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: The purpose of study was to analyze the demographic and health-behavioral factors that influence drug use in elderly population. METHODS: The 506 individuals aged more than 60 year old residing in the area of Seoul and Kyung-Ki Do were interviewed with structured questionnaire from July 1st to August 15th, 1997. RESULTS: Of the 506 participants, 63.5% reported of taking at least one type of drug currently. Westerns medication group was 72.8% , oriental medication group was 12.8%, and combined medication group was 14.4%. Western medication was reported to have been taken primarily for 'curative' purpose whereas the oriental medication was taken primarily for 'preventive' purpose. The most frequently used drugs were analgesics(33.0%), antihypertensives (26.4%), and digestives(18.1%). 52.8% of the participants were taking two to five drug, and 49.7% were taking drugs which doctors recommended and 27.8% were on self-medication. Only 17.2% of drug users knew the names of the drugs being taken, and 8.1% reported having experienced adverse effects. Epidemiologic factors revealed higher rate of drug use for urban residents(67.9%), and ones living without their spouses(70.9%)(p<0.05). Medicines for 'preventive' purpose such as eutrophics were found to be used more frequently by those who lived in urban(21.7%) rather than rural(13.0%) area, with higher education and higher income(p<0.05). Behavioral characteristics revealed higher rate of drug use for those with low self-confidence in health and more frequent utilization of medical institution (p<0.05). The rate of drug use was higher for non-smokers and for those who do not drink alcohol, however it was not significant. For 'preventive' drug use, factor such as self-confidence in health and past medical history do not seem to have statistical influence. CONCLUSION: Factors such as urban residents, low self-confidence in health, and frequent utilization of medical institution have significant effect on drug use in elderly population.
