Antidepressant prescription practice and related factors in Switzerland: a cross-sectional analysis of health claims data

BMC Psychiatry

  ^{1    2    2    2    3    3    3} 

[1] 0000 0004 1937 0650, grid.7400.3, Department of Primary Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland;0000 0004 1937 0650, grid.7400.3, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Binzmühlestrasse 14/16, Zurich, Switzerland;Department of Health Sciences, Helsana, Zurich, Switzerland;

关键词: Antidepressant prescription;    Mental health care;    Depression;    Regional variation;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12888-019-2178-4

来源: publisher

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of and factors associated with antidepressant (AD) prescriptions in order to draw a comprehensive picture of prescribing practices in Switzerland.MethodWe conducted a population-based, cross-sectional descriptive study using a large Swiss healthcare claims database, covering approximately 13% of the Swiss population. AD prescription was determined by identifying patients (N = 105,663) with health claims data of at least 1 AD prescription in the year 2016. AD medication was identified using ATC-codes classified by the World Health Organisation. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses using logistic regression were performed.ResultsThe extrapolated 1-year prevalence of AD prescription was 8.7% (95% CI, 8.7–8.8) with two thirds of AD recipients being female and the average age being 59 years (SD = 19.1). The regional distribution of prescription rates varied between cantons and ranged from 6.5 to 11.7%. Logistic regression revealed higher prescription rates among females compared to males (OR: 1.52) and an increased probability of AD prescription by age up until 54 years (OR: 2.25) and ≥ 85 years (OR: 2.32). Comorbidity is associated with higher odds (OR: 3.26 with 1–2 comorbidities) and enrollment in a managed care plan (compared to standard care) with lower odds for an AD prescription (OR: 0.85).ConclusionThis study is the first in Switzerland to describe the prevalence of and factors associated with AD prescription based on a large health claims database reflecting routine care. The results provide important information about regional variation, prescription source, and potential over-prescription in the treatment of depressive disorders.

【 授权许可】

CC BY