Potentially inappropriate use of benzodiazepines and z-drugs in the older population-analysis of associations between long-term use and patient-related factors.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The long-term use of benzodiazepines (BZD) and z-drugs in older populations is associated with a variety of sociodemographic and health-related factors. Recent studies reported that long-term BZD and z-drugs use is associated with increased age, female sex, and severe negative psychological (e.g., depression) and somatic (e.g., chronic disease) factors. The current study explores the sociodemographic and health-related factors associated with long-term BZD and z-drugs use in the elderly.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey among randomly selected patients of one health insurance plan ("AOK North-West") with BZD and z-drugs prescriptions in the past 12 months. The sample was stratified by appropriate German prescription guidelines (yes vs. no) and age (

SUBMITTER: Mokhar A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5969046 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature