Preventive Aspirin and other Antiplatelet Medication Use among U.S. Adults Aged ≥40 Years: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011–2012. (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gu, Qiuping; Dillon, Charles F.; Eberhardt, Mark S.; Wright, Jacqueline D.; Burt, Vicki L.
• Is Part Of: Public health reports. Volume 130:Number 6(2015)
• Page Start: 643
• Page End: 654
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: Public health -- United States -- Periodicals; 614.0973
• DOI: 10.1177/003335491513000614
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0033-3549

Abstract

Objective: We estimated the prevalence of preventive aspirin and/or other antiplatelet medication use and the dosage of aspirin use in the U.S. adult population. Methods: We conducted cross-sectional analyses of a representative sample ( n =3, 599) of U.S. adults aged ≥40 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011–2012. Results: In 2011–2012, one-third of U.S. adults aged ≥40 years reported taking preventive aspirin and/or other antiplatelet medications, 97% of whom indicated preventive aspirin use. Preventive aspirin use increased with age (from 11% of those aged 40–49 years to 54% of those ≥80 years of age, p <0.001). Non-Hispanic white (35%) and black (30%) adults were more likely to take preventive aspirin than non-Hispanic Asian (20%, p <0.001) and Hispanic (22%, p =0.013) adults. Adults with, compared with those without health insurance, and adults with ≥2 doctor visits in the past year, diagnosed diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol were twice as likely to take preventive aspirin. Among those with cardiovascular disease, 76% reported taking preventive aspirin and/or other antiplatelet medications, of whom 91% were taking preventive aspirin. Among adults without cardiovascular disease, 28% reported taking preventive aspirin. Adherence rates to medically recommended aspirin use were 82% overall, 91% for secondary prevention, and 79% for primary prevention. Among current preventive aspirin users, 70% were taking 81 milligrams (mg) of aspirin daily and 13% were taking 325 mg of aspirin daily. Conclusion: The vast majority of antiplatelet therapy is preventive aspirin use. A health-care provider's recommendation to take preventive aspirin is an important determinant of current preventive aspirin use.