I'm working on a database of a population-based cohort data on the subject of drug use prevalence and its pattern (e.g., ATC drug classification). The ISSUE that I noticed during the analysis is that there is very low prevalence of drug use in the population (2.8% of total); however, it is important to mention that this low rate did not root from inappropriate data gathering. In this study, participants were asked to bring their drug "bag" and all drugs were recorded carefully; in other words, we did not rely on the participants' memory so there is no recall bias or underreporting bias for this low rate. By the way, I HAVE TWO QUESTIONS:
First, is there any special "term" for this low rate of drugs use in a population?
Second, does anyone have any suggestion in the designation of the study's results or discussion in the way that makes the manuscript more interesting and also helps the authorities for a better insight into the pharmaceutical needs of the population?
Thanks for your cooperation.
I don't know what you are seeking with the first question.
For the second question, I am still curious as to how data on drug use was gathered. If participants are asked to bring their drugs, then some individuals may be reluctant to present all in the open, because they are embarrassed about a certain druguse, and are afraid to get stigmatized. Secondly, I guess you are looking at prescribed medicine. There is probably drugs which is not accounted for, because they have been purchased illegally .
Why you need to prove the low use of the drug?
Which is the purpose of using the ATC´s? The subjects have any illness or addiction related to needing use the drug?
As Jesper Fabricius said many people are embarrased about using prescription drugs for being stigmatized
I think I've heard it somewhere that based on the reason for underconsumption of a drug there are some formulas to calculate the volume and design of the study.
I'm not sure but I will attach a file for you which I think contains the answer you are looking for.
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