The National Center for Health Statistics has just released Health, United States 2013, which is the annual report on the health status of the nation and an important tool for public health advocates. Each year the report focuses on a special topic of importance to current discussions in public health. This year's special feature is on Prescription Drugs in the United States. Among the highlights:
- In 2007-2010, almost one-half of the U.S. population took at least one prescription drug in the preceding month and 1 in 10 reported taking five or more drugs.
- Prescription drug use in 2007-2010 increased with age, from 1 in 4 children to 9 in 10 persons aged 65 and over.
- Drug poisoning deaths involving opioid analgesics among those aged 15 and over more than tripled in the past decade, from 1.9 deaths per 100,000 population in 1999-2000 to 6.6 in 2009-2010.
Detailed tables and charts throughout Health, United States 2013 display health statistics trends over time on birth and death rates, infant mortality, life expectancy, morbidity and health status, risk factors, use of ambulatory and inpatient care, health personnel and facilities, financing of health care, health insurance and managed care, and other health topics.