OTC Drug Use in an HMO: Comparing the Elderly and Younger Adults

The study described the self-reported use of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs among older adult and younger adult HMO members, and identified the factors associated with their use. The study population was 1,642 HMO members aged 65 and over, and 3,417 members 18 through 64 years of age. Sources of data were a mail questionnaire, and automated outpatient pharmacy, and visit data. The findings showed the elderly were less likely to use most kinds of common OTC drugs. They also used them less intensely, and were less likely to use OTC drugs in conjunction with prescription drugs, than young adults. For both age groups, OTC drug use did not appear to be a substitute for formal medical services. The major factors associated with the use of OTCs in both age groups were female gender and increased bodily pain.