Use of over-the-counter analgesics is associated with perceived stress among 25-44-year-olds: A national cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aims: To examine the association between perceived stress and use of over-the-counter analgesics among 25—44-year-olds, and to examine the association across various sociodemographic strata. Furthermore, to examine whether the association attenuates when controlled by stress-related symptoms. Methods: National cross-sectional study in Denmark. The study population consisted of men and women aged 25—44 years, n = 3461. The survey was conducted by face-to-face interviews followed by a self-administered questionnaire. The outcome measure was use of over-the-counter analgesics (OTCA). The determinant was perceived stress measured by the perceived stress scale (PSS). Demographic variables and complaints were included as co-variables. Results: Analyses stratified by gender, education, cohabiting status, and whether or not the respondents had children all showed a significant association between stress and OTCA use. The odds for OTCA use mounted with increasing stress. The association attenuated somewhat in analyses adjusted for sociodemographic variables and pain, but remained significant. The crude odds ratio (OR) for OTCA use was 1.51 (1.24—1.83) among participants with medium levels of perceived stress, and 2.26 (1.83—2.80) among participants with high levels of perceived stress, compared to participants with low levels of perceived stress. Conclusions: There was a significant association between perceived stress and OTCA use that could not be explained by potential stress-related pain across all the examined sociodemographic strata. OTCA may be used outside their indication to treat feelings of stress. Those in charge of dispensing medicines and policy makers should be aware of this potentially harmful use of products that are available without prescription.