Factors Associated With Psychotropic Medication Use in Individuals in Brazilian Primary Health Care Units: A Descriptive, Cross-Sectional Study.

ABSTRACT

The current descriptive, cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the rate of psychotropic medication use and its association with sociodemographic factors, pharmacotherapy, health history, and presence of common mental disorders in individuals in Brazilian primary health care (PHC) units. A sample of 442 individuals was interviewed in 10 PHC units. Tools used included a structured questionnaire and the Self Reporting Questionnaire-20. The rate of psychotropic medication use was 38.7%. Demographic characteristics associated with psychotropic medication use were age 60 or older with common mental disorders and physical illness, a primary-level education or less, no occupation, and family income greater than three times the minimum wage. The strongest predictor of psychotropic medication use was monthly family income. The results highlight the need for interventions to improve patient outcomes. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 55(3), 38-45.].