Fig. 3
From: Trends in medication use during the COVID-19 pandemic in Quebec, Canada
Adjusted ratio (observed/expected) of the overall weekly proportion of prevalent users, by medication category and time period. A decline in observed use, compared to expected use, is indicated by blue cells whereas an increase in use is indicated by red cells (to determine the statistical significance of these fluctuations, please refer to the Supplementary Tables). All fluctuations mentioned in the text are statistically significant, unless otherwise indicated. (a) Color scales used in Figs. 1 and 3 are the same. The minimum and maximum values indicated in the legend are based on the most extreme values found in both figures combined. (b) Period 1: 1st wave, February 23, 2020–August 1, 2020; Period 2: 2nd wave, August 2, 2020-March 20, 2021; Period 3: waves 3–4, March 21, 2021–December 4, 2021; Period 4: waves 5–6; December 5, 2021–March 26, 2022. (c) Models for ADHD, gastric acidity and HIV medications are excluded due to poor fit, but are still included under ‘All medications for chronic conditions’. ‘Polypharmacy’ is not included in ‘All medications for chronic conditions’. (d) Excluding calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers (included in “Antihypertensives”). (e) Information reported for women only. Excluding IUDs and subcutaneous implants. ADHD attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, BPH benign prostatic hyperplasia, COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, HIV human immunodeficiency virus, IUD intrauterine Device, NSAID nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug.
