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

IF 3.4 2区医学 Q1 ANESTHESIOLOGY

European Journal of Pain Pub Date : 2025-09-30 DOI:10.1002/ejp.70139

Maureen N. Zijlstra, Pantea Kiani, Pauline A. Hendriksen, Dana M. Dijkgraaf, Johan Garssen, Joris C. Verster

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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 < 0.001), particularly among females. In contrast, no significant changes were found among children and the elderly. The number of first-time dispensed analgesic drugs during the pre- and post-lockdown periods was comparable between the 2 years.

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.

Abstract Image

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在荷兰首次COVID-19封锁期间，新分发的镇痛药数量显着下降。

背景：COVID-19大流行扰乱了全球卫生保健系统，包括推迟非紧急护理和将资源重新分配给COVID-19患者。本研究的目的是评估荷兰首次封锁COVID-19对新止痛药处方的影响。方法：本研究分析了1890年荷兰药房的配药数据，覆盖了大约96%的人口（546万患者）。比较2019年上半年和2020年上半年分发的首次处方镇痛药（ATC2 N02类，如阿片类药物、苯胺类药物）的数量。首次使用者被定义为在前一年没有接受药物治疗的患者。数据按年龄组（儿童、青少年、成年人、老年人）、性别和时间段进行分层：1-11周（2020年封城前）、12-19周（封城后）和20-26周（封城后）。结果：2020年首次发放镇痛药物总数（367,094）明显低于2019年（388,973,p = 0.021），其中封锁期间明显减少（p = 0.003）。在封城期间，青少年和成人首次配发镇痛药物的数量显著下降(p结论：封城期间延迟的医疗保健与首次配发镇痛药物的减少有关，尤其是在青少年和成人中。这可能表明在此期间未经治疗的疼痛或增加对非处方替代品的依赖。意义声明：这项荷兰全国范围的研究显示，在COVID-19大流行的第一个封锁期间，首次分发的镇痛药物显着下降，特别是在青少年和成年人中。这可能表明在此期间由于延迟医疗保健或增加对非处方替代品的依赖而未治疗的疼痛。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

European Journal of Pain 医学-临床神经学

CiteScore

7.50

自引率

5.60%

发文量

163

审稿时长

4-8 weeks

期刊介绍： European Journal of Pain (EJP) publishes clinical and basic science research papers relevant to all aspects of pain and its management, including specialties such as anaesthesia, dentistry, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, palliative care, pharmacology, physiology, psychiatry, psychology and rehabilitation; socio-economic aspects of pain are also covered. Regular sections in the journal are as follows: • Editorials and Commentaries • Position Papers and Guidelines • Reviews • Original Articles • Letters • Bookshelf The journal particularly welcomes clinical trials, which are published on an occasional basis. Research articles are published under the following subject headings: • Neurobiology • Neurology • Experimental Pharmacology • Clinical Pharmacology • Psychology • Behavioural Therapy • Epidemiology • Cancer Pain • Acute Pain • Clinical Trials.