Prescription and non‐prescription analgesic use among the US adult population: results from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III)

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Abstract
Purpose To estimate prescription and non‐prescription analgesic use in a nationally representative sample of US adults. Methods Data collected during the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988–1994), for persons 17 years and older were analyzed (n = 20 050). During the household interview, respondents reported use, in the last month, of prescription and non‐prescription analgesics. Results An estimated 147 million adults reported monthly analgesic use, Prescription analgesic use was 9% while non‐prescription use was 76%. Females were more likely than males to use prescription (11 vs. 7%, p < 0.001) and non‐prescription (81 vs. 71%, p < 0.001) analgesics. Across race–ethnicity groups, males (∼8%) and females (11–13%) had similar age‐adjusted prescription analgesic use. Non‐prescription analgesic use was higher among non‐Hispanic whites than non‐Hispanic blacks and Mexican–Americans for males (76 vs. 53% (p < 0.001) and 59% (p < 0.001), respectively) and females (85 vs. 68% (p < 0.001) and 71% (p < 0.001), respectively). With increasing age, prescription analgesic use increased whereas non‐prescription use decreased. Approximately 30% of adults used multiple analgesics during a 1‐month period. This was more common among females (35%) than males (25%, p < 0.001) and among younger (17–44 years, 33%) rather than older age groups (45+ years, 26%, p < 0.001). Conclusions Analgesic use among US adults is extremely high, specifically of non‐prescription analgesics. Given this, health care providers and consumers should be aware of potential adverse effects and monitor use closely. Published in 2002 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.