[Consumption of prescription drugs in 60-65 years old population in Mexico. National Survey on Addictions, 1993].

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of consumption of medical drugs among the population 60 to 65 years old identified in the National Survey on Addictions 1993 and obtain data on the demographic characteristics of these consumers.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross-sectional, probabilistic, stratified and cluster sample of subjects between 12 and 65 years old living in urban areas of the country was selected.

RESULTS

Of the 911 elderly subjects identified, 218 (23.9%) were consumers of prescription drugs, constituting 17% of men and 28% of women. The most frequently used drugs were central nervous system depressants (22% of women and 13% of men) followed by opiates (7% of women and 5% of men). The onset age of consumption was 60 years old and men started earlier than women. Of prescription drug users, 85% use depressors and opiates by prescription, 3% self-medicate themselves and 5% follow a friend's recommendation. Nine per cent use prescription drugs longer than the prescribed time.

CONCLUSIONS

More extensive, specific studies of drug consumption by the elderly should be carried out to explore prevalence of use, which are used most frequently, frequency of adverse effects, effects on quality of life and social support networks for the elderly, among other topics.