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Document Type
Thesis - University Access Only
Award Date
1993
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department / School
Graduate Nursing
First Advisor
Phyllis Gaspar
Keywords
social drug use among rural elderly, psychotropic drugs
Abstract
The use of psychotropic agents among the rural elderly is an area of concern for health care providers. Studies have indicated that the elderly are major consumers of psychotropic prescription and overthe- counter medications, however no studies have examined the rural elderly's patterns of psychotropic drug use.
The purpose of this study was to determine the utilization patterns of prescription and over-thecounter psychotropic medications by the rural community-based elderly. The use of alcohol and caffeine was also determined.
Personal interviews were conducted with 30 elderly living independently in a rural midwestern community. The data revealed that 13.3% of the subjects used prescription psychotropic medications and none used psychotropic over-the-counter drugs. Seven subjects reported alcohol use and 43% consumed three or more cups of coffee daily. Although the use of the psychotropic agents was relatively low, the elderly may need education interventions to maintain independent functioning in the rural community.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Rural elderly -- Drug use
Psychotropic drugs
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
61
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Rights
Copyright © 1993 Mary Kovarna. All rights reserved
Recommended Citation
Kovarna, Mary, "Psychotropic and Social Drug Use in the Rural Community Elderly" (1993). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 756.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd/756