Prevalence of compound analgesic in Newcastle (NSW)

A household survey of analgesic use was carried out in two areas of different social advantage in Newcastle, New South Wales, during November 1977. The survey was preliminary to evaluating the proposed rescheduling of compound analgesics in the region. Approximately 16.5 per cent of the over 18-year-olds in the population claimed to use compound analgesics from time to time, and over 90 per cent used analgesics of some kind. Analgesic patterns varied between the two areas studied; of women living in the socially disadvantaged areas, about five per cent used compound analgesics daily. Rescheduling of compound analgesics may initially increase the workload of general practitioners, as up to one third of women who regularly use analgesics seek alternatives. A programme of public education and support is needed to assist compound analgesic users when rescheduling occurs.