ArticlePloS one2024
Consumption patterns and factors associated with inappropriate prescribing of benzodiazepines in Primary Health Care settings.
Article in PloS one, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 8 papers.
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Who cites it
8 citing papers in PubMed.
- Development of a Women's Empowerment Nurse-Led Group Intervention for Benzodiazepine and Z-Hypnotic Deprescription in Primary Healthcare: Results of a Co-Creation Process.Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy · 2026Article
- Prescription of Psychotropic Drugs for Chronic Insomnia in Primary Care.Journal of sleep research · 2026Observational
- Liposuction for Lipedema Significantly Reduces Benzodiazepine Dependence: A Prospective Cohort Study.Aesthetic plastic surgery · 2026Observational
- Trajectories Associated With the Use and Deprescription of Benzodiazepines and Z-Drugs in a Network of Geriatric Outpatient Clinics.Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety · 2026Article
- Benzodiazepine Dependence: Clinical and Molecular Aspects, Preventive Strategies and Therapeutic Approaches.International journal of molecular sciences · 2026Review
- Between prescription and deprescription: a qualitative study on the trajectory and challenges in the use of benzodiazepines among older adults.Frontiers in pharmacology · 2026Article
- Epidemiological Profile of Exogenous Intoxications by Self-Medication in Brazil: A Decade of Trends and the Impact of the COVID-19.Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety · 2025Article
- Prevalence estimation of essential tremor in Hungary between 2010 and 2020 based on the National Health Insurance Fund Database.Scientific reports · 2025Article
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Authors and funding
6 authors.
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Abstract
backgroundBenzodiazepines are frequently prescribed to treat anxiety and insomnia, but long-term use has been associated with the development of dependence, tolerance, and cognitive decline, especially among older adults. This study aimed to investigate the pattern of consumption and factors associated with inappropriate prescribing of benzodiazepines in primary health care.
methodsThis is a cross-sectional analytical study, using dispensing records of diazepam, clonazepam, and nitrazepam from public pharmacies in a Brazilian municipality between 2018 and 2022. Metrics for benzodiazepine consumption were DDD (Defined Daily Dose) and DDD/1000PD (per 1000 population per day). Long-term/prolonged benzodiazepine use was defined as consuming at least 90 DDD and at least 2 dispensations per year. To ascertain associations between long-term use and predictor variables, a multivariate logistic regression model was utilized.
findingsA total of 40402 participants were included, with an average age of 55 years (SD = 0.30), 38.5% were older aged. Diazepam and nitrazepam exceeded the daily dose recommended. There was a reduction in diazepam consumption during the study period, as calculated by DDD/1.000PD, while the consumption of other benzodiazepines remained stable. However, a significant increase in diazepam consumption is noted when considering the last decade. Prolonged use was observed in 29.1% of participants, with a significant prevalence among the older people (34.8% of them were long-term users) and advancing age was identified as a risk factor for long-term use. Higher PDDs were also associated with long-term use and aging. Participants who used different benzodiazepines during the period had a higher risk of prolonged use.
conclusionsThese results provide insights into the prevalence of problematic utilization of benzodiazepines in primary health care. Authorities and health care providers must take steps to encourage gradual cessation of prolonged benzodiazepine prescriptions and the embrace of suitable strategies for addressing anxiety and insomnia within primary health care settings.
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