The association between nonmedical use of prescription medication status and change in health-related quality of life: results from a Nationally Representative Survey.

BACKGROUND: Nonmedical use of prescription medication (NUPM) is associated cross-sectionally with a host of medical and psychosocial consequences. Few studies, however, have examined longitudinal outcomes based on NUPM indicators. This study aimed to address this gap by examining change in health-related quality of life as a function of NUPM status.

METHODS: Data are from waves 1 and 2 of the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcoholism and Related Conditions (NESARC) a household-based, nationally-representative survey of the US population. 34,653 participants who completed both NESARC waves were included in analyses. The primary outcome measure was the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), with history of NUPM of opioids, tranquilizer/sedatives and stimulants (examined separately) at wave 1 and any NUPM between waves 1 and 2 used to group participants. Sociodemographic characteristics were used as control variables.

RESULTS: Across medication classes, results indicated that individuals who initiated NUPM between waves (initiators) had greater declines or smaller increases on many SF-12 scales, when compared to other groups. Individuals with a history of NUPM at wave 1 but no use between waves (quitters) and never users generally had the best outcomes in terms of change in SF-12 scales, with quitters making larger gains (or smaller losses) in mental health-related quality of life. Persistent users were generally intermediate between initiators and quitters or never users.

CONCLUSIONS: These data reinforce the importance of preventing NUPM initiation and of promoting NUPM cessation, highlighting the need for greater use of NUPM-related public health interventions.