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A Significant Decline in the Number of Newly Dispensed Analgesics During the First COVID-19 Lockdown in The Netherlands

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Titel: A Significant Decline in the Number of Newly Dispensed Analgesics During the First COVID-19 Lockdown in The Netherlands
Autoren: Zijlstra, Maureen N, Kiani, Pantea, Hendriksen, Pauline A, Dijkgraaf, Dana M, Garssen, Johan, Verster, Joris C
Quelle: European Journal of Pain (United Kingdom). 29(10)
Verlagsinformationen: John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2025.
Publikationsjahr: 2025
Schlagwörter: Adult, Male, Drug Prescriptions/statistics & numerical data, Adolescent, SARS-CoV-2, Netherlands/epidemiology, Middle Aged, Young Adult, Analgesics/therapeutic use, 80 and over, Humans, Female, Child, Preschool, COVID-19/epidemiology, Aged
Beschreibung: BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare systems worldwide, including the postponement of non-urgent care and reallocation of resources toward COVID-19 patients. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the first Dutch COVID-19 lockdown on the initiation of new analgesic prescriptions.METHODS: This study analysed dispensing data from 1890 Dutch pharmacies, covering approximately 96% of the population (5.46 million patients). The number of first-time prescription analgesics dispensed (ATC2 N02 class, e.g., opioids, anilides) was compared between the first halves of 2019 and 2020. First-time users were defined as patients who had not received the drug in the preceding year. Data were stratified by age group (children, adolescents, adults, elderly), sex and time periods: weeks 1-11 (pre-lockdown 2020), 12-19 (lockdown) and 20-26 (post-lockdown).RESULTS: The total number of first-time dispensed analgesic drugs was significantly lower in 2020 (367,094) than in 2019 (388,973, p = 0.021), with a notable reduction occurring during the lockdown period (p = 0.003). Significant declines in first-time dispensed analgesic drugs were observed among adolescents and adults during lockdown (p CONCLUSION: Delayed healthcare during the lockdown was associated with a decrease in first-time dispensed analgesic drugs, especially among adolescents and adults. This may indicate untreated pain or increased reliance on over-the-counter alternatives during this period.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This Nationwide Dutch study showed a significant decline in first-time dispensed analgesic drugs during the first lockdown period of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among adolescents and adults. This may indicate untreated pain due to delayed healthcare or an increased reliance on over-the-counter alternatives during this period.
Publikationsart: Article
Sprache: English
ISSN: 1532-2149
1090-3801
DOI: 10.1002/ejp.70139
Zugangs-URL: https://research-portal.uu.nl/en/publications/31855b16-4d3e-4f3c-bb0d-87042273f743
Rights: CC BY
Dokumentencode: edsair.dris...02462..81e5fe4bc570f4fb4562a789f9bc1fd3
Datenbank: OpenAIRE
Beschreibung
Abstract:BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare systems worldwide, including the postponement of non-urgent care and reallocation of resources toward COVID-19 patients. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the first Dutch COVID-19 lockdown on the initiation of new analgesic prescriptions.METHODS: This study analysed dispensing data from 1890 Dutch pharmacies, covering approximately 96% of the population (5.46 million patients). The number of first-time prescription analgesics dispensed (ATC2 N02 class, e.g., opioids, anilides) was compared between the first halves of 2019 and 2020. First-time users were defined as patients who had not received the drug in the preceding year. Data were stratified by age group (children, adolescents, adults, elderly), sex and time periods: weeks 1-11 (pre-lockdown 2020), 12-19 (lockdown) and 20-26 (post-lockdown).RESULTS: The total number of first-time dispensed analgesic drugs was significantly lower in 2020 (367,094) than in 2019 (388,973, p = 0.021), with a notable reduction occurring during the lockdown period (p = 0.003). Significant declines in first-time dispensed analgesic drugs were observed among adolescents and adults during lockdown (p CONCLUSION: Delayed healthcare during the lockdown was associated with a decrease in first-time dispensed analgesic drugs, especially among adolescents and adults. This may indicate untreated pain or increased reliance on over-the-counter alternatives during this period.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This Nationwide Dutch study showed a significant decline in first-time dispensed analgesic drugs during the first lockdown period of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among adolescents and adults. This may indicate untreated pain due to delayed healthcare or an increased reliance on over-the-counter alternatives during this period.
ISSN:15322149
10903801
DOI:10.1002/ejp.70139