The use of medicines is an essential aspect of treating disease. In this field, surveys that map the population's use of medicines are of particular interest. The GEDA 2014/2015-EHIS study collected data on the use of medically prescribed and self-medicated drugs during the two weeks that preceded the survey. 58.9% of women and 52.0% of men reported that they had taken medically prescribed drugs during this period. 48.5% of women and 35.4% of men stated they had taken medication during this period that had not been prescribed by a doctor. The prevalence of the use of medically prescribed drugs and self-medication was higher among women than among men. Finally, the prevalence of the use of medically prescribed drugs increased significantly with age, whereas the prevalence of self-medication decreased with age.
Keywords: ADULTS; GERMANY; HEALTH MONITORING; MEDICINES; SELF-MEDICATION.
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