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Prescribed medication use among troops deploying to Somalia: pharmacoepidemiologic analysis
J D Grabenstein1, C L Filby, R A Vauter
1Clinical Investigation Regulatory Office, AMEDD Center & School, Fort Sam Houston, TX 78234-6125, USA.
Military Medicine
|November 1, 1995
Summary
This study analyzed prescription data for soldiers deploying to Somalia. Women received significantly more prescriptions than men, particularly for contraceptives.
Area of Science:
- Military Medicine
- Pharmacy Practice
- Pharmacoeconomics
Background:
- Understanding medication use in deployed military personnel is crucial for operational readiness.
- Previous data on chronic ambulatory prescription patterns for deploying troops is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency and types of chronic ambulatory prescriptions dispensed to soldiers deploying for Operation Restore Hope.
- To identify common diagnoses and therapeutic classes of medications used by deploying soldiers.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of prescription records from Fort Drum pharmacy database for deploying soldiers (November 1992 - January 1993).
- Comparison of prescription data with troop deployment rosters.
- Categorization of diagnoses and medication classes.
Main Results:
- 7.4% of 3,701 deploying soldiers received 425 prescriptions (114.8 per 1,000 troops).
- Common diagnoses included contraceptive, musculoskeletal, dermatologic, respiratory, and cardiovascular conditions.
- Oral contraceptives, anti-inflammatory drugs, and acne treatments were the most dispensed medication classes.
- Women, comprising 6.8% of troops, accounted for 31.5% of prescription recipients.
Conclusions:
- Prescription rates and types vary significantly within deploying military populations.
- Women were significantly more likely to receive prescriptions compared to men, even when excluding contraceptives.
- Further investigation into gender-specific medication needs and potential medication-related hospitalizations is warranted.