Factors associated with non-medical use of prescription drugs among individuals with a legitimate prescription for medical purposes: A population-based study. Issue 1 (February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pylväs-Korolainen, Minna; Karjalainen, Karoliina; Lintonen, Tomi
• Is Part Of: Nordisk alkohol- & narkotikatidskrift. Volume 39:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 50
• Page End: 63
• Publication Date: 2022-02
• Subjects: Finland -- illicit drug use -- non-medical use of prescription drugs -- population-based survey -- prescription drug use; Alcoholism -- Scandinavia -- Periodicals; Drug abuse -- Scandinavia -- Periodicals; 616.86
• DOI: 10.1177/14550725211003417
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1455-0725

Abstract

Background: Psychoactive prescription drugs are known to have abuse potential. This study was aimed at studying the non-medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) among individuals with prescriptions for anxiolytics, sedatives, or strong analgesics. We examined the association of socio-demographics, binge drinking, the number of drug prescriptions, and drug types prescribed for medical purposes with NMUPD among the general Finnish population. Methods: Data were derived from population-based (ages 15–69 years) Drug Surveys conducted in Finland in 2006, 2010, and 2014. The response rates varied between 48% and 55%. Individuals with prescriptions for one or more prescription drugs in the last 12 months were included ( n = 1, 602) and divided into three groups: medical use only, NMUPD, and NMUPD with illicit drug use (ILLICIT USE). Multinomial logistic regression was used. Results: Among individuals with a prescription for at least one prescription drug, 5.7% reported NMUPD. Living alone and being outside the labour force were associated with NMUPD. Younger age, living in a large city, living alone, and unemployment were associated with ILLICIT USE. Frequent binge drinking and a high number of drug prescriptions were associated with both NMUPD and ILLICIT USE. Those reporting ILLICIT USE were more likely to have a prescription for sedatives. Conclusions: Although NMUPD is on a rather low level among those who have a prescription for legitimate purposes, having multiple prescriptions increased the likelihood of NMUPD. Low socio-economic position and binge drinking are associated with NMUPD and this should be taken into account when planning interventions and preventive actions.