Use of antiresorptive drugs among older women: a case study in Wisconsin

The factors contributing to the use of antiresorptive therapies (ARTs) and differentiating the ARTs used were examined. A list of names of community-dwelling persons 65 years or older living in Wisconsin was obtained, and 2100 individuals were selected (1050 men and 1050 women) to receive the 10-page survey instrument. The survey requested information on health status, prescription drug use, preferences for using prescription drugs versus self-treatment strategies, demographic characteristics, and status and type of prescription drug and medical insurance. Only the responses from female respondents were evaluated. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each variable. The simultaneous relationships among all variables were modeled sequentially using a binary logistic regression model and a multinomial logistic regression model. Usable responses were received from 629 women, yielding an adjusted response rate of 59.9%; 169 (26.9%) reported current use of at least one ART, 110 (17.5%) reported using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and 59 (9.4%) were using newer ARTs. The typical respondent did not use any prescription medicines for the treatment or prevention of osteoporosis, was married, and did not have a four-year college degree. Married, younger women with high medical care preferences scores were more likely to use antiresorptive agents. Married women were more likely to use HRT versus no treatment. A higher number of family practice physicians per 100,000 population reduced the likelihood of the use of any ART. Lower age was also related to the use of ARTs. Marital status, age, medical care preferences, prescription drug insurance, a regular source of care, and the diagnosis of osteoporosis were all significantly associated with the use of any antiresorptive agent.