Analise Demografica e Socioeconomica do Uso e do Acesso a Medicamentos Antidepressivos no Brasil

TL;DR

This study analyzes the demographic, social, and economic factors influencing antidepressant use and access across Brazil, revealing high prevalence among specific population groups and regional disparities.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of antidepressant use in Brazil based on national survey data, highlighting demographic and socioeconomic disparities.

Findings

High prevalence of antidepressant use among women aged 20-59

Regional disparities in access to antidepressants across Brazil

Socioeconomic factors influence antidepressant consumption patterns

Abstract

Depressive disorders, in addition to causing direct negative impacts on health, are also responsible for imposing substantial costs on society. In relation to the treatment of depression, antidepressants have proven effective, and, to the World Health Organization, access to psychotropic drugs for people with mental illnesses offers a chance of improved health and an opportunity for reengagement in society. The aim of this study is to analyze the use of and access to antidepressants in Brazil, according to macro-regions and to demographic, social and economic conditions of the population, using the National Survey on Access, Use and Promotion of Rational Use of Medicines (PNAUM 2013/2014). The results show that there is a high prevalence of antidepressant use in individuals with depression in Brazil. The main profile of use of these drugs is: female individuals, between 20 and 59 years old, white, from the Southeast region, of the economic class D/E, with a high schooling level, in a marital situation, without health insurance coverage, without limitations derived from depression, and who self-evaluated health as regular.