Fact Check: "Ivermectin prescriptions surged 964% in GOP areas during the pandemic."
What We Know
The claim that "Ivermectin prescriptions surged 964% in GOP areas during the pandemic" is supported by research indicating a significant increase in prescriptions for ivermectin in counties that predominantly voted Republican during the 2020 U.S. presidential election. A study published in the JAMA Internal Medicine journal found that in December 2020, the volume of ivermectin prescriptions was significantly higher in counties with the highest Republican vote share compared to those with the lowest. Specifically, the increase was quantified as "+80.9 new prescriptions per 100,000 enrollees," which represented a 964% rise from the baseline prescribing volume in 2019 (Barnett et al., Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health).
Additionally, a survey conducted in Mato Grosso, Brazil, reported that 58.3% of respondents indicated they had used ivermectin to prevent COVID-19, with higher usage rates in certain regions (Lobo da Silva et al.). This suggests a broader trend of ivermectin use during the pandemic, although it does not specifically address political affiliations.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim comes primarily from a cross-sectional study that analyzed prescription data across various counties in the U.S. The study's methodology involved examining deidentified medical claims data and correlating it with voting patterns from the 2020 presidential election. The findings indicate a clear association between political affiliation and the prescribing rates of ivermectin, suggesting that areas with higher Republican support were more likely to see increased prescriptions (Barnett et al., Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health).
While the data appears robust, it is essential to consider the potential biases in the study. The authors have affiliations with reputable institutions, and the study was published in a peer-reviewed journal, which adds to its credibility. However, the political context surrounding ivermectin prescriptions may introduce confounding factors, such as the influence of local political leaders and media narratives promoting ivermectin as a treatment for COVID-19 (NPR, Washington Post).
Moreover, while the percentage increase is striking, it is crucial to note that the absolute number of prescriptions may still be relatively low compared to other medications. The claim does not specify the total number of prescriptions, which could provide additional context to the percentage increase.
Conclusion
The claim that "Ivermectin prescriptions surged 964% in GOP areas during the pandemic" is Partially True. The data supports a significant increase in ivermectin prescriptions in Republican-leaning areas, as evidenced by the study's findings. However, the claim lacks context regarding the total volume of prescriptions and does not account for the broader trends in ivermectin usage across different demographics and regions. Therefore, while the statistic is accurate, its implications should be considered within a larger framework of public health and political influence.
Sources
- Prevalence of Ivermectin use to prevent COVID-19 during ... Link
- Association of County-Level Prescriptions for Hydroxychloroquine and ... Link
- Association of County-Level Prescriptions for ... Link
- Political affiliation may have swayed prescribing of ineffective COVID ... Link
- Ivermectin futile for mild to moderate COVID-19, study finds Link
- Ivermectin during the COVID-19 pandemic Link
- Ivermectin has now become a political issue for some Republicans ... Link
- Conservative doctors were more likely to view ivermectin ... Link