1. Prevalence and Correlates of Prescription Drug Misuse in a Nationwide Population Survey in Taiwan.
- Author
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Liu SW, Wu CY, Lee MB, Huang MC, Chan CT, and Chen CY
- Subjects
- Humans, Prevalence, Taiwan epidemiology, Prescription Drug Misuse, Prescription Drugs, Substance-Related Disorders epidemiology
- Abstract
Background: Prescription drug misuse (PDM) is a critical mental health issue relating to psychiatric morbidity. This study investigated the prevalence of PDM and its associated psychopathology and psychosocial factors in the general population in Taiwan., Methods: The survey randomly selected a representative sample >15 year-olds using the stratified proportional randomization method. The measurements included demographic variables, previous experience with PDM, self-rated physical and mental health, health self-efficacy, risk factors for suicidality, and psychological distress., Results: The weighted one-year prevalence of PDM was 8.5% ( n = 180) among 2126 participants. Those with psychological distress and lifetime suicide ideation (23.3%) or suicide attempts (5.0%) were significantly associated with PDM. PDM was also prevalent among those with poorer self-rated health and lower self-efficacy. Insomnia (OR = 1.52), depression (OR = 1.77), and low self-efficacy (OR = 2.29) had higher odds of PDM after adjustment in the logistic regression model., Conclusions: Individuals who misused prescription drugs had a higher prevalence of psychological distress and suicidality and lower levels of self-rated health. Prescription drug misuse problems should be screened for early prevention when prescribing medications for people with insomnia, depression, or lower perceived health beliefs or conditions.
- Published
- 2021
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