Gender and other factors associated with the nonmedical use of abusable prescription drugs

Although there is extensive research on gender differences in the use of alcohol and illicit substances, few studies have examined gender differences in nonmedical prescription drug use. Using data from the 1991 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA), based on a sample of 3185 persons, logistic regression analysis is employed to determine how gender and other factors affect the likelihood of past-year nonmedical prescription drug use. Analysis revealed that women are significantly more likely than men to use any prescription drug, and that this gender difference is primarily driven by women's increased risk for narcotic analgesic and minor tranquilizer nonmedical use. Other factors, such as race, age, health status, and other substance use, also are significant predictors of nonmedical use. Findings from this study will enable researchers, policy makers, and providers to have a greater understanding of nonmedical drug use patterns and support greater gender sensitivity in the prevention, education, and treatment of nonmedical prescription drug use.