Use of medicines by persons with disabilities in São Paulo state areas, Southeastern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the use of medicines and the main therapeutic groups consumed by persons with physical, hearing and visual disabilities. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed, where data from the 2002 Inquérito Multicêntrico de Saúde no Estado de São Paulo (ISA-SP - São Paulo State Multicenter Health Survey), as well as the 2003 Inquérito de Saúde no Município de São Paulo (ISA-Capital - City of São Paulo Health Survey), Southeastern Brazil, were analyzed. Respondents who reported having disabilities were studied, according to variables that comprise the database: geographic area, gender, income, age group, ethnic group, use of medicines and types of drugs consumed. RESULTS The percentage of use of drugs by persons with disabilities was 62.8% among the visually impaired; 60.2% among the hearing impaired; and 70.1% among the persons with physical disabilities. Individuals with physical disabilities consumed 20% more medications than non-disabled ones. Among persons with visual disabilities, the most frequently consumed drugs were diuretics, agents of the renin-angiotensin system and analgesics. Persons with hearing disabilities used more analgesics and agents of the renin-angiotensin system. Among those with physical disabilities, analgesics, antithrombotics and agents of the renin-angiotensin system were the most frequently consumed medicines. CONCLUSIONS There was a greater use of medicines among persons with disabilities than non-disabled ones. Persons with physical disabilities were those who most consumed medicines, followed by the visually impaired and the hearing impaired.