Incidence and characteristics of benzodiazepine use in an elderly cohort: the EVA study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of benzodiazepine use in an elderly population and to identify associated factors.


METHODS
Data were collected in four self-report questionnaires on the use of sedatives and sleeping drugs. These questionnaires were sent every 6 months, over a 2-year period, to the 1272 elderly subjects interviewed at the first follow-up examination of the EVA (Epidemiology of Vascular Aging) Study.


RESULTS
The incidence rate of benzodiazepine use was 4.7 per 1000 person-months (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.6, 5.8). In multivariable analyses (logistic regression model), incident use of benzodiazepines was significantly associated with depressive or anxious symptoms (odds ratio [OR] = 3.3; 95% CI 1.7, 6.4), high use of non-psychotropic drugs (> or = 3; OR = 1.8; 95% CI 1.1, 3.1) and female gender (OR = 1.9; 95% CI 1.1, 3.3).


CONCLUSIONS
Simultaneous use of benzodiazepines and other medications should be carefully assessed in elderly patients, considering the risk of adverse drug reactions and drug-drug interactions.
INSERM U657, Université Victor Segalen Bordeaux 2, Département de Pharmacologie, Bordeaux, France.
Nathalie
N
Lechevallier-Michel
Claudine
C
Berr
Annie
A
Fourrier-Réglat
D000368:Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000254:growth & development*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D001569:Benzodiazepines