The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #46915

Linda Simoni-Wastila, PhD, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, 100 North Greene St., Room 517, Baltimore, MD 21201, 410-706-4352, lsimoniw@rx.umaryland.edu and Gail Strickler, MA, Schneider Institute for Health Policy, Heller Graduate School, Brandeis University, MS 35, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA 02454.

Objectives. This study examines the role of sociodemographic and substance use factors in predicting prescription drug problem use.

Methods. Data are from the nationally-representative National Household Survey on Drug Abuse. The study is the first to provide national prevalence estimates of problem use (or need-for- treatment). Using logistic regression analysis, the study elicited factors associated with the probability of prescription drug problem use, overall and by therapeutic class.

Results. The study estimated that 1.3 million Americans aged 12 and older experience prescription drug problem use requiring treatment. Those at greatest risk include those aged 24 and younger, female, not fully employed, in poor/fair health, and daily alcohol drinkers.

Conclusions. This study provides an important framework for future research, and equips clinicians, educators, and policy-makers with much-needed information on those at greatest risk for prescription drug problem use.

Learning Objectives:

• To understand the difference between prescription drug non-medical use and prescription drug problem use.
• To understand the prevalence of prescription drug problem use.
• To examine the factors, such as gender, age, and concurrent substance use, associated with prescription drug problem use.

Keywords: Prescription Drug Use Patterns,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.