Prevalence and Risk Factors for Psychotropic Medication Use in Older Adults in Australia: A Nationwide Data Linkage Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objectives

Psychotropic medications are associated with an increased risk of adverse drug events in older adults, yet national data on their use in Australia remain limited. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of psychotropic medication use among older Australians and to examine the sociodemographic factors associated with their use.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using national linked data from the 2021 Census and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). The study included all individuals aged 65+ years who responded to the 2021 Census and received at least one PBS medication between 1 August and 31 October 2021. Prevalence of psychotropic medication use was calculated across 5-year age groups, and sociodemographic factors

SUBMITTER: Le HT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12313767 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature