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Pediatric Medication Noninitiation in Spain.
Cristina Carbonell-Duacastella1,2,3,4, Maria Rubio-Valera1,2,3, Sílvia Marqués-Ercilla5,6
1Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IRSJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain.
Pediatrics
|December 27, 2021
Summary
Medication noninitiation is common in children, affecting 9% of prescriptions within one month. Factors like age, cost, and prescriber type influence whether children receive prescribed medications.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric pharmacology
- Health services research
- Public health
Background:
- Medication noninitiation is a significant issue in pediatric care.
- Understanding factors influencing noninitiation is crucial for improving treatment adherence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the prevalence of medication noninitiation in pediatric patients.
- To identify factors associated with medication noninitiation in children.
Main Methods:
- An observational study was conducted on new prescriptions for patients under 18 in Catalonia, Spain (July 2017-June 2018).
- Noninitiation was defined as prescriptions not filled within 1 or 6 months.
- Multivariable multilevel logistic regression was used to identify explanatory factors.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of 1-month noninitiation was 9.0% and 6-month noninitiation was 8.5%.
- Noninitiation was higher in younger/older children, those with 0% copayment, and conditions from external causes.
- Increased out-of-pocket costs raised noninitiation odds, while pediatrician prescriptions lowered them.
Conclusions:
- High rates of medication noninitiation exist in pediatric populations, varying by age and medical group.
- Inequities in access to pharmacologic treatments are suggested.
- Health care planners and providers should address these access disparities.
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