Antidepressant prescription in a rural population

Abstract

Introduction: Antidepressants (AD) are drugs used to treat depression, anxiety and chronic pain. Its consumption has increased considerably for years.

Objectives: This study sought to investigate the AD consumption prevalence in a rural population. It also sought to determine if there is an association between AD prescription, socio-demographic variables, tobacco and alcohol consumption and chronic diseases.

Material and methods: An observational study was conducted using a random sample stratified by age. Participants were ≥18 years and registered in A Estrada’s council, from Spain’s National Health System. N=1516. Variables: structured questionnaire with demographic data, chronic diseases, drugs, tobacco and alcohol, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short form) and Goldberg Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Results: 838 women and 678 men participated in the study. 13,5% took AD (19,9% women and 5’5% men). AD usage increases with age. Widowers and those separated had a higher AD consumption, as well as illiterates, people without studies, and those who completed only primary school. An inverse relationship was found between physical activity and AD usage, and also between tobacco and alcohol, less cosumption take more AD. A significant association was found between AD consumption and chronic diseases: diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, hyperlipemia, depression or osteoarticular diseases. A positive result in Goldberg’s anxiety and depression scale is also associated with a higher AD usage. All these associations were statistically significant (p < 0,001).

Conclusions: Consumer’s AD profile is an elder woman, fragile and multi-pathological.