Benzodiazepine use and associated factors in elderly in the city of Dourados, MS, Brazil

Christiane Dias Dos Anjos Cunha,Rosangela Da Costa Lima,Graziella Almeida Andrade Cattanio,Stephanie Ramirez Iahnn,Maria Cristina Corrêa De Souza

doi:10.1590/0047-2085000000080

Christiane Dias Dos Anjos Cunha, Rosangela Da Costa Lima + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/0047-2085000000080

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Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective The use of benzodiazepines (BZD) and associated factors in the elderly of Dourados, MS, Brazil was investigated. Methods This is a cross-sectional population-based study using a multistage sampling design. Participants were 1,022 individuals aged ≥ 60 years. Measurements socioeconomic status, schooling, demographic aspects, marital status, physical activity, hospitalizations, self-rated health, use of alcohol beverages and smoking were assessed by standard questionnaire. The drugs used were obtained by checking the prescription or package and classified according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Index. Chi-square test, Chi-square for linear tendency, Fisher's exact test and Poisson regression were used to assess association between variables. Results The prevalence of use of BZD was 6.5% (CI95%: 5.1-8.2%). The oldest group (PR: 1.60 for 70-79 years and PR: 1.79 for ≥ 80 years), non-use of alcohol (PR: 4.14) and use of antidepressants (PR: 8.73) were the statistically associated characteristics. Conclusions The prevalence of use of BZD in the study population was low, similar to findings of more recent Brazilian studies and lower than those obtained in international studies. The prevalence of use of BZD increased with aging and use of antidepressants.

Highlights

In the nineteenth century, decline in fertility levels and growt h of older population were observed, being related to increased quality of life, decline in mortality, urbanization, nutritional improvement, growing vaccination coverage, sanitation and water supply, scientific and technology advances and higher educational level[1,2].According to the United Nations, the world elderly population will increase by 11.0% between 2000 and 20503
The use of BZD in the last 15 days was reported by 6.5% of elderly people (CI95%: 5.1%-8.2%)
The prevalence of BZD use in the 15 days prior to data collection was 6.5%. This result was similar to findings obtained in Brazilian studies with similar recall periods in the city of São Paulo, SP – 6.1%17 and Campo Belo, MG – 9.3%7, as well as in several regions of the United States of America (USA) – 9.9%16

Summary

Introduction

Decline in fertility levels and growt h of older population were observed, being related to increased quality of life, decline in mortality, urbanization, nutritional improvement, growing vaccination coverage, sanitation and water supply, scientific and technology advances and higher educational level[1,2].According to the United Nations, the world elderly population will increase by 11.0% between 2000 and 20503. The projection of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), in Brazil, includes an increase in the number of older people greater than 15.0% between 2010 and 20154 This growth in the older population associated with noncommunicable chronic diseases that affect this age group results in greater need for health care services, and, in governmental investments in public health[5]. This fact has directly influenced the general use of drugs including benzodiazepines (BZD) by older people[6]. Despite the risks inherent to using these substances, they bring important benefits for the elderly including: reduced anxiety, decreased fear, greater social participation, sleep induction and maintenance, muscle relaxing effects and treatment and prevention of epileptic seizures[14]

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