Use of drugs for gastrointestinal disorders: evidence from National Survey on Access, Use and Promotion of Rational Use of Medicines.

Objective To estimate the prevalence of use of drugs to treat gastrointestinal disorders, according to demographic, socioeconomic, and health characteristics of the Brazilian population. Methods This is a population-based survey that interviewed individuals residing in cities of the five regions in Brazil. The study sample was composed of 32,348 individuals aged 20 or more years. The profile of use of drugs for gastrointestinal disorders was evaluated considering the variables sex, age, healthcare plan, region, and number of chronic diseases. We also analyzed the frequency of individuals who declared using other drugs, besides those already employed for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Additionally, the estimated frequencies of the drug classes used were determined. Results The prevalence of use of drugs for gastrointestinal disorders in Brazil was 6.9% (95% confidence interval - 6.4-7.6), higher in females, among persons aged over 60 years, in those who had a private healthcare insurance, and presented with two or more chronic diseases. It was noted that 42.9% of the aged who used drugs for gastrointestinal disorders were also on polypharmacy. As to the classes of drugs, 82% corresponded to drugs for the food tract and metabolism, particularly proton pumps inhibitors. Conclusion The use of drugs for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders was significant among women and elderly. In this age group, consumption may be linked to gastric protection due to polypharmacy. This study is an unprecedented opportunity to observe the self-reported consumption profile of these drugs in Brazil and, therefore, could subsidize strategies to promote their rational use.

Emotional problems and the use of psychotropic drugs: investigating racial inequality. / Problemas emocionais e uso de medicamentos psicotrópicos: uma abordagem da desigualdade racial.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the existence of racial inequalities in the prevalence of emotional problems, the search for healthcare services and the use of psychotropic drugs. A population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted with data from the 2014/15 Campinas Health Survey. Sample of 1953 individuals aged 20 years or older was analyzed. We estimated the prevalence of common mental disorders (CMDs), the reporting of emotional problems, insomnia, the search for and the use of healthcare services and the use of psychotropic drugs according to self-reported skin color (white and black/brown). Prevalence ratios were estimated using "Poisson" multiple regression. The prevalence of CMDs was higher among blacks/brown compared to whites but no difference was found regarding the reporting of emotional problems and insomnia. Whites sought healthcare services more due to emotional problems. The use of psychotropic drugs was also higher among whites. The results revealed racial inequalities in the presence of CMDs, the search for healthcare services and the use of psychotropics drugs, highlighting the need for actions to identify and overcome barriers that hinder access to mental health care by different racial segments of the population.