Prescription and non-prescription analgesic use among the US adult population: Results from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III)

Abstract

Purpose. To estimate prescription and non-prescription analgesic use in a nationally representative sample of US adults. Methods. Data collected during the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988-1994), for persons 17 years and older were analyzed (n=20 050). During the household interview, respondents reported use, in the last month, of prescription and non-prescription analgesics. Results. An estimated 147 million adults reported monthly analgesic use, Prescription analgesic use was 9% while non-prescription use was 76%. Females were more likely than males to use prescription (11 vs. 7%, p < 0.001) and non-prescription (81 vs. 71%, p < 0.001) analgesics. Across race-ethnicity groups, males (∼8%) and females (11-13%) had similar age-adjusted prescription analgesic use. Non-prescription analgesic use was higher among non-Hispanic whites than non-Hispanic blacks and Mexican-Americans for males (76 vs. 53% (p < 0.001) and 59% (p < 0.001), respectively) and females (85 vs. 68% (p < 0.001) and 71% (p < 0.001), respectively). With increasing age, prescription analgesic use increased whereas non-prescription use decreased. Approximately 30% of adults used multiple analgesics during a 1-month period. This was more common among females (35%) than males (25%, p < 0.001) and among younger (17-44 years, 33%) rather than older age groups (45+ years, 26%, p < 0.001). Conclusions. Analgesic use among US adults is extremely high, specifically of non-prescription analgesics. Given this, health care providers and consumers should be aware of potential adverse effects and monitor use closely. Published in 2002 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.