Trends in use of medications associated with women's ambulatory care visits

Background: Data from the CDC's National Health Care Survey (NHCS) can assist researchers studying women's healthcare utilization. Methods: Using data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) and the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS), component surveys of the NHCS, this paper presents prescribing trends from 1995 to 2000 for the 10 therapeutic drug classes of medications mentioned most often during women's ambulatory care visits. Results: Antidepressants top the list as the most frequently mentioned therapeutic class in 1999-2000, followed by estrogens and progestins, antiarthritics, and drugs for acid/peptic disorders. The number of medications prescribed increased by about 13% during visits by women to physicians' offices and hospital outpatient departments between 1995-1996 and 1999-2000, from 144 to 162 mentions per 100 visits, respectively. Conclusions: Researchers can use the NHCS to track changes in use over time and to target potential issues related to access to care, quality of care, or cost that warrant further, in-depth study.