Trends in preventive drug prescription in the Primary Care District of Seville [2000-2003

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To describe trends in prescription rates for biphosphonates, raloxifene, calcitonin, statins and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) between 2000 and 2003 and to assess the impact of mass media information on the interruption of the Women's Health Initiative trial on HRT prescription rates. METHODOLOGY: We performed a descriptive, ecological study, with time (month) as the observation unit. Monthly rates of bisphosphonate, calcitonin, raloxifene, statins and HRT prescription, in defined daily doses per 1000 persons, were measured in the population assigned to 249 family physicians in 27 health centers in Seville. Trend graphs and time series analysis were carried out. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The prescription of preventive drugs has tended to increase between 2000 and 2003. The HRT prescription rate has decreased since the interruption of the Women's Health Initiative trial.