Comparison of Pain Relief Drug Use in Queensland and Australia
Author Information
Author(s): Barozzi Nadia, Tett Susan E
Primary Institution: University of Queensland
Hypothesis
Is the use of non-selective NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors, and paracetamol in Queensland representative of the total use in Australia?
Conclusion
The use of non-selective NSAIDs, COX-2 inhibitors, and paracetamol was comparable in Australia and Queensland.
Supporting Evidence
- Total NSAID and paracetamol consumption were similar in Australia and Queensland.
- Ns-NSAID use decreased sharply with the introduction of COX-2 inhibitors.
- Paracetamol use remained constant over the study period.
Takeaway
This study looked at how much pain relief medicine people use in Queensland compared to all of Australia, and found that they use about the same amount.
Methodology
Data on drug dispensing for concession beneficiaries was collected from Medicare Australia for the years 1997-2003 and analyzed.
Potential Biases
No specific risks of bias were identified.
Limitations
Prescription data were not linked to other data sources, making it impossible to assess the appropriateness of prescriptions.
Participant Demographics
The study focused on concession beneficiaries, primarily seniors and welfare recipients.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.46
Statistical Significance
p ≥ 0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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