Comparing Parkinson's Disease Medications Categorised by Location in New South Wales, Australia: Linking the 45 and Up Study and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Data.

OBJECTIVE

Explore Parkinson's Disease (PD) related prescription patterns for people with PD living in metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas of New South Wales, Australia.

METHODS

Exploratory, cross-sectional data linkage study. Participants were grouped according to geographic location and by age group: metropolitan or non-metropolitan; rural, regional, and remote. Prescription patterns were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

DESIGN

The Sax Institute's 45 and Up Study data was linked to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) records (2004-2017) for all participants with PD.

SETTING

Retrospective data exploration and analysis.

PARTICIPANTS

1648 participants who self-identified as having PD and voluntarily contributed to the 45 and Up longitudinal study.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Statistical comparisons based on location were undertaken for the different groupings for PD-specific medications.

RESULTS

Significant differences in the proportions of PD-related medications are observed between locations. Significant differences in the proportions of PD-related medications are observed between locations. A higher proportion of levodopa and levodopa combinations is reported for major cities (75.5%) compared with the inner region (70.3%) and outer and remote regions (74.1%). Additionally, other PD-related medications in the non-metropolitan areas are proportionally higher than those reported for major cities. Analysis by age groups suggests large effect sizes for the 75-79 and 45-49 age groups, while medium and small effect sizes are reported for the 55-59 and 70-74 age groups, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Inequities with best practice medication treatment for PD exist between metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas of NSW. Efforts are required to successfully bridge gaps. Upskilling GPs may provide one way to optimise therapy and quality of life.