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Prevalence and Correlates of Prescription Drug Misuse in a Nationwide Population Survey in Taiwan

Author

Listed:
  • Shu-Wei Liu

    (Department of Psychiatry, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei 111, Taiwan)

  • Chia-Yi Wu

    (School of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
    Department of Nursing, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan
    National Taiwan Suicide Prevention Center, Taipei 100, Taiwan)

  • Ming-Been Lee

    (Department of Psychiatry, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei 111, Taiwan
    National Taiwan Suicide Prevention Center, Taipei 100, Taiwan
    Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan)

  • Ming-Chi Huang

    (Department of Addiction Sciences, Taipei City Psychiatric Center, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei 10341, Taiwan)

  • Chia-Ta Chan

    (Department of Psychiatry, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei 111, Taiwan
    National Taiwan Suicide Prevention Center, Taipei 100, Taiwan)

  • Chun-Ying Chen

    (National Taiwan Suicide Prevention Center, Taipei 100, Taiwan)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Shu-Wei Liu & Chia-Yi Wu & Ming-Been Lee & Ming-Chi Huang & Chia-Ta Chan & Chun-Ying Chen, 2021. "Prevalence and Correlates of Prescription Drug Misuse in a Nationwide Population Survey in Taiwan," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(24), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:24:p:12961-:d:697896
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