Table 1.
Age/sex distribution of the study population relative to the general population (1996) and for an estimate of patients prescribed antidepressants in primary care in Australia (1989/1999)
| Study population 1996 | Australian population 1996 a | Patients prescribed antidepressants in Australia 1998/99b | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ≤ 24 years | 1.88% | 35.97% | 7.81% |
| 25–44 years | 30.21% | 30.99% | 33.78% |
| 45–64 years | 32.71% | 21.01% | 33.86% |
| 65–74 years | 13.5% | 7.07% | 12.34% |
| ≥ 75 years | 21.03% | 4.96% | 12.21% |
| Age missing | 0.67% | ||
| Male | 33.77% | 49.74% | 32.98% |
| Female | 65.64% | 50.26% | 67.02% |
| Missing | 0.59% | ||
| Total | 55 271 | 18 310 714 | 5112 |
a
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Estimated resident population by age groups, 30 June 1996. Australian Demographic Statistics, ABS catalogue 3101.0 September quarter 1997. Canberra, Australia.
b
Britt H, Sayer GP, Miller GC et al. General Practice activity in Australia 1998–99. AIHW Catalogue number GEP 2. Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (General Practice Series no. 2).