Gender differences in the prevalence and correlates of psychotropic medication use among older adults in Israel

Background: This study evaluates gender differences in the prevalence of psychotropic medications use among elderly Israelis and the socio-demographic, physical and mental health correlates of their use. Method: Data were taken from a national survey that sampled the community-dwelling Jewish population aged 65-94 in Israel. Psychotropic medications were assessed from the list of all medications recorded during a faceto- face interview. The current analysis focused on three medication groups: anxiolytics, sedatives/hypnotics and antidepressants. Results: A significantly higher use of anxiolytics was observed among women compared to men after taking into account their worse physical and mental health. Age, not being married, sleeping problems and depressive symptoms were significant correlates among men while number of non-psychotropic medications, any life trauma and being married correlated with use of anxiolytics and sedatives/hypnotics among women. The use of antidepressants was low in men and women and was related mainly to disability in ADL. Conclusions: This study points to possibly overprescribing of anxiolytics among women and low detection and treatment of depression among the elderly in general.