ID :
35953
Tue, 12/16/2008 - 17:36
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/35953
The shortlink copeid
Anti-depressants top PBS drug for women
AAP - Anti-depressants are the most commonly purchased government-subsidised medication by young Australian women, nudging out the contraceptive pill.
A 20-year study of more than 40,000 women - divided into younger, middle-aged and
older age groups - released a report on Tuesday detailing use between 2003-05 of
government-subsided medications, that is those listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits
Scheme (PBS).
The report comes as the federal government released a paper outlining the aims of
its national women's health policy, which is due to be released in 2010.
Anti-depressants accounted for eight per cent of PBS drugs purchased by the younger
group (aged 27-32 years in 2005), followed by the contraceptive pill, asthma
inhalants and penicillins.
Many contraceptive pills are not PBS listed.
Sixteen per cent of the middle-aged women studied purchased anti-depressants, but
drugs to treat peptic ulcers and lower cholesterol were the most commonly purchased
PBS medications for this group.
Cholesterol lowering drugs were the leading PBS medication for 38 per cent of older
women, followed by peptic ulcer and anti-blood clotting medications.
In 2006-07, the average price of a prescription was $39.35, with an average
government cost of $32.50.
The study's co-director, Professor Julie Byles, said she was surprised by the
prevalence of anti-depressant use amongst young women.
"I think the high level of anti-depressants does reflect a very large need in our
society that relates to mental health issues that may not be properly recognised,"
she told AAP.
Among the younger women who reported a depression diagnosis, 60 per cent had no
claims for anti-depressants in 2005.
Women in lower socio-economic groups and those suffering physical conditions, such
as asthma and back pain, had a higher rate of anti-depressant use than other women.
Anti-depressant medication costs women about $230 a year, with a higher proportion
of that cost borne by the individual for younger women, than those in middle-age.
"Often we are finding the people who need these medications are people who are
struggling the most on their income anyway," Prof Byles said.
The federal government's women's health strategy will be based on the principles of
gender equality, health equity between women and a focus on prevention.
It will also incorporate sexual and reproductive health.
Consultations will begin next year.
A 20-year study of more than 40,000 women - divided into younger, middle-aged and
older age groups - released a report on Tuesday detailing use between 2003-05 of
government-subsided medications, that is those listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits
Scheme (PBS).
The report comes as the federal government released a paper outlining the aims of
its national women's health policy, which is due to be released in 2010.
Anti-depressants accounted for eight per cent of PBS drugs purchased by the younger
group (aged 27-32 years in 2005), followed by the contraceptive pill, asthma
inhalants and penicillins.
Many contraceptive pills are not PBS listed.
Sixteen per cent of the middle-aged women studied purchased anti-depressants, but
drugs to treat peptic ulcers and lower cholesterol were the most commonly purchased
PBS medications for this group.
Cholesterol lowering drugs were the leading PBS medication for 38 per cent of older
women, followed by peptic ulcer and anti-blood clotting medications.
In 2006-07, the average price of a prescription was $39.35, with an average
government cost of $32.50.
The study's co-director, Professor Julie Byles, said she was surprised by the
prevalence of anti-depressant use amongst young women.
"I think the high level of anti-depressants does reflect a very large need in our
society that relates to mental health issues that may not be properly recognised,"
she told AAP.
Among the younger women who reported a depression diagnosis, 60 per cent had no
claims for anti-depressants in 2005.
Women in lower socio-economic groups and those suffering physical conditions, such
as asthma and back pain, had a higher rate of anti-depressant use than other women.
Anti-depressant medication costs women about $230 a year, with a higher proportion
of that cost borne by the individual for younger women, than those in middle-age.
"Often we are finding the people who need these medications are people who are
struggling the most on their income anyway," Prof Byles said.
The federal government's women's health strategy will be based on the principles of
gender equality, health equity between women and a focus on prevention.
It will also incorporate sexual and reproductive health.
Consultations will begin next year.
