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.