Initial benzodiazepine use and improved health-related quality of life.
OBJECTIVE
The health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of initial benzodiazepine users was measured over time. Furthermore, benzodiazepine usage characteristics as determinants of change in mental and physical health status of the benzodiazepine users were examined.


METHODS
In the only pharmacy of a Dutch community of 13,500 and during four months from November 1994, all patients with a benzodiazepine prescription and no history of benzodiazepine use over a period of 12 months before inclusion, were invited to participate. A total of 106 initial benzodiazepine users were matched for age and gender. In a six-month follow-up study, HRQOL was measured with the RAND-36. Consequently, in a nested case control design, determinants of change in mental and physical functioning over the six-month period were analysed using the Mental Component Summary and the Physical Component Summary.


RESULTS
At baseline, initial benzodiazepine users showed a lower HRQOL as compared to reference subjects. After six-month follow-up, benzodiazepine users presented an absolute increase in HRQOL, while the reference subjects maintained a stable HRQOL. Diazepam and the male gender were associated with an increase in physical functioning over time. Younger age, a lower daily dose (DDD < 0.75) and a period of use between 16 and 60 days were associated with better mental functioning over time.


CONCLUSIONS
This study is one of the first to associate improvement in HRQOL over time of starting benzodiazepine users with specific usage characteristics, such as limited duration of use and a low dosage.
van Hulten
Rolf
R
Department of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacotherapy, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80.082, 3508 TB Utrecht, The Netherlands. r.p.vanhulten@pharm.uu.nl
Teeuw
Bart
B
Bakker
Albert
A
Leufkens
Hubert G
HG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D011788:Quality of Life; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines