College of Public Health and Human Sciences

PURPOSE: To analyze overall prescription medication use patterns among study participants in a representative statewide sample of Wisconsin adults.

METHODS: We analyzed data on 1572 participants from the 2008-2010 cycles of the Survey of the Health of Wisconsin (SHOW). SHOW is a statewide population-based survey that collects health information, including prescription medications, from 21 to 74 year olds. Prescription medication use was examined according to demographic and socioeconomic characteristics.

RESULT: Almost 55% of participants reported using at least 1 medication in the past month and 14% reported using at least 5 medications. The top 5 medications reported were lisinopril, hydrochlorothiazide, simvastatin, levothyroxine, and metoprolol. Overall prescription medication use increased significantly with age. Medication use was greater among females, former smokers, adults with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30, or with low family income, and non-hispanic blacks. Adults having health insurance, drug coverage, or a regular source of care were more likely to report medication use.

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of prescription medication use in a general population sample in Wisconsin was high. Age, gender, race, BMI, family income, smoking history, health insurance, prescription drug coverage, and having a regular source of health care were associated with prescription medication use.