Journal of Child Neurology
Volume 26, Issue 10, 2011, Pages 1265-1270

Differences in methylphenidate use between immigrants and spaniards in the child population of Aragon, Spain: A retrospective study (Article)

MacIpe-Costa R.M. , García-Campayo J. , Gimeno-Feliu L.A.* , Magallón-Botaya R. , Armesto-Gomez J.
  • a Fuentes de Ebro Primary Care Health Centre, Aragonese Health Service, Zaragoza, Spain
  • b Department of Psychiatry, University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet University Hospital, Zaragoza, Spain
  • c University of Zaragoza, Health Sciences Institute (IACS), Research Network on Preventative Activities and Health Promotion, 50003 Zaragoza, Spain
  • d Arrabal Primary Care Health Centre, University of Zaragoza, Aragonese Health Sciences Institute (I+CS), Zaragoza, Spain
  • e Pharmacy Department, Aragonese Health Service, Zaragoza, Spain

Abstract

The aim of this research is to study the differences in methylphenidate use in children from different ethnic groups in the region of Aragon, Spain. Differences in the use of methylphenidate between both groups of children, immigrants and Spanish nationals, were assessed based on the total number of methylphenidate prescriptions made out for all children in Aragon in 2008 (N = 98837). We have used defined daily doses and the defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day. Defined daily doses per 1000 inhabitants per day of methylphenidate use was 18.49 in Spanish boys compared with 2.70 in immigrant boys, and 5.48 in Spanish girls versus 0.83 in immigrant girls. All differences between groups were statistically significant (P <.001). This study confirms that methylphenidate use is higher in a local population than in an immigrant population. Western European and North American children show the highest use, followed by Latin Americans and Eastern Europeans. © 2011 SAGE Publications.

Author Keywords

methylphenidate Immigration attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder ADHD

Index Keywords

immigrant human Ethnic Groups ethnic group controlled study priority journal pediatrics prescription drug utilization school child Humans ethnic difference Central Nervous System Stimulants Adolescent male Emigrants and Immigrants Spain preschool child female Methylphenidate Article Sex Factors Age Factors drug use Child
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-80054014848&doi=10.1177%2f0883073811405055&partnerID=40&md5=85cc6326e80f9f446855cd5e8d1b73d9
DOI: 10.1177/0883073811405055
ISSN: 08830738
Cited by: 7
Original Language: English