OBJECTIVE: This study utilized a nationally representative sample to examine the characteristics of mail-order pharmacy users.
METHODS: This study used data from the 2012 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS). The outcome variable was defined as whether the participant had used a mail-order pharmacy during the study year. Logistic regression was conducted to determine the factors which influence mail-order pharmacy use. All analyses incorporated MEPS sampling weights to adjust for the complex survey design.
RESULTS: Among the 14,106 adults included, approximately 18% of them had used a mail-order pharmacy at least once to fill their prescription in 2012. Compared to community pharmacy users, mail-order pharmacy users were more likely to be white, older, married, have a higher family income, a higher educational level, have health insurance, and have a prescription with at least a 30-day supply. There is no difference in gender or urban/rural disparity. In addition, mail-order pharmacy users had a lower percentage of out-of-pocket costs.
CONCLUSIONS: Mail-order pharmacy use was significantly associated with certain patient characteristics. Policymakers should consider these characteristics when promoting mail-order pharmacy use.
目的:本研究利用具有全国代表性的样本来检查邮购药房用户的特征。
方法:本研究使用2012年医疗支出小组调查(MEPS)的数据。结果变量定义为参与者在研究期间是否使用过邮购药房。Logistic回归分析影响邮购药房使用的因素。所有分析都包含MEPS采样权重,以适应复杂的勘测设计。
结果:在14,106名成年人中,2012年,约18%的患者至少使用过一次邮购药房配药.与社区药房用户相比,邮购药房用户更有可能是白人,年长的,已婚,有更高的家庭收入,更高的教育水平,有健康保险,并有至少30天供应的处方。性别或城乡差距没有差异。此外,邮购药房用户的自付费用比例较低。
结论:邮购药房使用与某些患者特征显著相关。政策制定者在促进邮购药房使用时应考虑这些特征。