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Diagnostic investigation rates and use of prescription and non‐prescription medications amongst dyspeptics: a population‐based study of 2300 Australians
Author(s) -
Westbrook J. I.,
Talley N. J.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
alimentary pharmacology and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.308
H-Index - 177
eISSN - 1365-2036
pISSN - 0269-2813
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2036.2003.01555.x
Subject(s) - medical prescription , medicine , population , pediatrics , family medicine , pharmacology , environmental health
Summary Background : There is limited knowledge of the diagnostic investigation rates and use of prescription and non‐prescription drugs amongst dyspeptics. Aim : To assess the investigation rates and use of prescription and non‐prescription anti‐ulcer medications amongst dyspeptics in the population. Methods : A cross‐sectional survey was performed of 2300 Australians. Results : Of 748 dyspeptics, 422 (56%) had consulted a doctor regarding dyspepsia at some time in their life. Of the consulters, 64% had undergone investigations at some time: 37% an endoscopy, 54% a barium meal and 27% both. A diagnosis of peptic ulcer was reported by 31% of those investigated. The symptom profile of gastroscopy patients differed significantly from that of uninvestigated dyspeptics. Of the consulters, 36% had taken anti‐ulcer prescription drugs in the last 3 months: Histamine‐2 receptor antagonists (73% of prescriptions), proton pump inhibitors (17%), cytoprotectants (5%) and prokinetic drugs (5%). Antacids were taken by 30% of non‐consulting dyspeptics, 44% of consulters not on prescription drugs and 58% of dyspeptics taking prescription drugs. Advancing age, but not gender, was associated with diagnostic investigation and prescription and non‐prescription drug usage. Conclusions : There are high rates of diagnostic investigation amongst dyspeptics who consult doctors. Many individuals with dyspepsia decide to self‐medicate with antacids regardless of consulting or prescriptions, suggesting that current management is suboptimal.