Evaluation of drug consumption in the population of Andorra

Abstract

The rational use of drugs involves knowing their consumption levels in a community. In a Health Survey of the Principality of Andorra questions were included on the use of drugs in the population. We studied a sample of 672 adult subjects using a random stratified sampling technique. Data were collected by means of a personal home interview with a questionnaire. 35.9% of the persons interviewed took drugs during the period studied. The percentage was higher in women (43,8%) than in men (29.1%) and consumption increased with age. 68.8% took a single drug, whereas 31.2% were polymedicated. 89,8% of the drugs used were prescribed by the doctor and the ones most commonly used were: antihypertensives, analgesics, antiinfluenzals, vasodilators, anticontraceptives and vitamins. The results are indicators of the state of health of the Andorran population. The degree of polymedication is a matter of concern, although the Andorrans consume fewer drugs than the Spanish.