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Drug prescribing among Danish children: a population-based study
H Madsen1, M Andersen, J Hallas
1Research Unit of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense University, Winsløwparken 19, 5000 Odense C, Denmark. h.madsen@dadlnet.dk
European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|June 22, 2001
Summary
Drug prescribing in Danish children shows skewed consumption, with 10% of kids accounting for nearly 70% of prescriptions. Respiratory and dermatological drugs were most common, with significant use in children under two.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pharmacoepidemiology
- Drug Utilization Research
Background:
- Understanding pediatric drug prescribing patterns is crucial for public health.
- Previous studies indicate skewed drug consumption in adult populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize drug prescribing patterns in Danish children under 19 years of age.
- To analyze drug utilization statistics based on age, sex, and drug categories.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Odense Pharmacoepidemiologic Database for prescription data from 1998 in Funen County, Denmark.
- Analyzed drug consumption using defined daily dose (DDD) methods and the Anatomical Chemical Classification System (ACCS).
- Employed individual-based drug utilization statistical templates.
Main Results:
- 52.6% of children received at least one prescription; 10% accounted for 67.5% of all prescriptions.
- Drug use was highest in infants (40% before age 1) and toddlers (85% aged 1-2), declining to 40% thereafter.
- Respiratory drugs were most prevalent, followed by dermatological and anti-infective agents (younger children) or psychotropic drugs (older children).
- Drug consumption was similar between sexes until early teens, after which girls had twice as many prescriptions.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric drug consumption in Denmark exhibits similar skewness to adults, but with distinct medication types.
- Drug use is most concentrated in children under two years old.
- Prescribing remains substantial across all pediatric age groups.