Correlates of potentially inappropriate prescriptions of benzodiazepines among older adults: results from the ESA study.
ESA study data were paired with Quebec medical and pharmaceutical services records to document potentially inappropriate benzodiazepines (Bzs) prescriptions among community-dwelling adults aged 65 and older. Results indicate that 32 per cent of respondents took a mean daily dose of 6.1 mg of equivalent diazepam for, on average, 205 days per year. Almost half (48%) of Bzs users received a potentially inappropriate benzodiazepine prescription at least once during the year preceding the survey. About 23 per cent received at least one concomitant prescription of a Bz and another drug that could result in serious interaction. In addition, individuals aged 75 and older were more likely to receive Bzs for a longer period of time than those aged 65-74. Number of pharmacies used was associated with inappropriate Bzs prescriptions. Our results argue in favour of a more integrated health services system, including a regular review of older adults' drug regimens.
Research Centre, Hôpital Charles LeMoyne, Greenfield Park, QC. michel.preville@usherbrooke.ca
Michel
M
Préville
Cindy
C
Bossé
Helen-Maria
HM
Vasiliadis
Philippe
P
Voyer
Claudine
C
Laurier
Djamal
D
Berbiche
Guiilhème
G
Pérodeau
Sébastien
S
Grenier
Sarah-Gabrielle
SG
Béland
Pierre-Alexandre
PA
Dionne
Lia
L
Gentil
Yola
Y
Moride
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003625:Data Collection; D011307:Drug Prescriptions / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D057970:Inappropriate Prescribing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007345:Insurance Claim Review; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011792:Quebec
D001569:Benzodiazepines