Table 3

Difference in the daily expense on drugs between the pre- and the post-action periods


Exposure group
Comparison group




Coefficient
95% CI of change measured in %
Coefficient
95% CI of change measured in %

Beta blocking agents




     Post_Action
-0.16**
(-17, -12)
0.03
(0, 5)
     Test Statistic

F (1,552) = 105.97**

F (1,510) = 3.36
     # observations

1106

1022
     # patient-hospital groups

553

511
Calcium channel blockers, vascular effects




     Post_Action
-0.06**
(-8, -4)
-0.02
(-4, 0)
     Test Statistic

F (1,634) = 26.44**

F (1,566) = 2.49
     # observations

1270

1134
     # patient-hospital groups

635

567
ACE inhibitors, plain




     Post_Action
-0.06**
(-9, -2)
0.01
(-1, 4)
     Test Statistic

F (1,271) = 10.69**

F (1,287) = 0.95
     # observations

544

576
     # patient-hospital groups

272

288

** p < 0.01; * p < 0.05; p < 0.1.

Chen et al. BMC Public Health 2008 8:118   doi:10.1186/1471-2458-8-118