Background: Across all aspects of health and illness, gender differences are evident and impact on illness and disease, as well as treatment and health outcomes. Diversion and dependence issues are becoming increasingly significant in terms of prescription of a range of analgesic drugs. Whilst increases in the use of prescription drugs – particularly analgesics – have been identified in a number of countries, relatively little is known about gender and patterns of use. In order to minimize the harms associated with the use of these drugs, development of a greater understanding of patterns of consumption is necessary.
Methods: Utilising statewide prescription data for Queensland, Australia, patterns of drug prescription over a ten year period were analysed. In particular, gender differences for a range of different drugs were considered in the context of numbers of prescriptions, quantities of drugs dispensed and frequency of use. Age and other demographic characteristics were also investigated as factors potentially influencing any gender effects identified.
Results: Significant gender differences were identified, with women more likely to be prescribed a range of prescription analgesics. After accounting for general population characteristics, gender differences remained.
Conclusions: Cultural and social factors pertaining to gender are significant in the treatment of pain with strong opioid analgesics, and prescription patterns generally. The health, cultural and social implications of prescription and use of pharmaceutical drugs need to be addressed in the context of the risks associated with long term use and dependence.