Changes in antacid use over a 9-year period in a general population adjusted for changes indyspeptic complaints

Abstract

Purpose: To explore changes in self-reported use of antacids over a 9-year period in a general population adjusted for changes in dyspeptic complaints. Methods: Data is based on two health surveys carried out in the same population in Norway in 1987-88 and 1996-97. 15,523 individuals, who responded to the questions concerning drug use in either the first survey and/or in the second survey, were included in the analyses. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) was chosen for the multivariate analyses. Results: From 1987-88 to 1996-97 the proportion of antacid users in this region increased among men from 11.2% to 12.7% (40-49 years) and from 11.9% to 13.4% (50-59 years), while the proportion of women using antacids decreased. The proportion of antacid users increased with age in both genders. In the same period, the frequency of self-reported dyspeptic complaints such as heartburn decreased. GEE analyses showed an overall increasing trend in antacid use over the 9 years (OR=2.0, 95% CI=1.8, 2.3) adjusted for self-reported heartburn and age. The effect of heartburn on antacid use is very strong (OR=14.6, 95% CI=12.9-16.7). The gender effect indicates that women are less likely to use antacids than men (OR=0.86, 95% CI= 0.77-0.95). Antacid use increased among those with dyspeptic complaints and also among those reporting no dyspeptic symptoms. Conclusion: The prevalence of antacid users in 1996-97 was higher than in 1987-88 adjusted for age, gender and heartburn. The proportion of antacid users increased among those with dyspeptic complaints and also among those reporting no dyspeptic symptoms. Key words: Antacid use, dyspeptic complaints, heartburn, longitudinal, generalized estimating equation, pharmacoepidemiology