title: [Impact of benzodiazepine dependence on the use of health services: study of the health of seniors].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The use of benzodiazepines is common among seniors. This consumption can cause an addiction whose criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition revised (DSM-IV-TR) do not always apply to the situation of the elderly. This research seeks to examine the link between the feeling of benzodiazepine dependence and the use of health services by seniors. A secondary objective is to describe the use of benzodiazepines among seniors living in the community.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data derive from a survey conducted in Quebec in 2005-2006 from a representative sample of 707 Francophones aged 65 and over living in the community. The feeling of benzodiazepine dependence was measured by a composite variable incorporating two questions inspired by the DSM-IV-TR. The use of health services was measured through the cumulative impact of consultation with health care professionals during a 12- month period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Older adults consumed a total of 745 benzodiazepines, including 117 (16.5%) which had a half-long life. The proportion of seniors who reported a feeling of dependence on benzodiazepines was estimated at 35.1 %. These seniors did not significantly make further use of health services for their addiction to benzodiazepines.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study suggest that the use of benzodiazepines among seniors in Quebec is far from optimal. Moreover, the perceived need in addiction is not a significant factor in inducing seniors to use health services for the management of addiction. There is, therefore, a need for research to better understand the barriers associated with the use of health services by seniors addicted to benzodiazepines.
authors: Faculté de pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, QC. pamphile.nkogho-mengue.1@ulaval.ca
authors: Pamphile-Gervais
authors: PG
authors: Nkogho Mengue
authors: Belkacem
authors: B
authors: Abdous
authors: Djamal
authors: D
authors: Berbiche
authors: Michel
authors: M
authors: Préville
authors: Philippe
authors: P
authors: Voyer
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011792:Quebec / Q000453:epidemiology; D012494:Sampling Studies; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D001569:Benzodiazepines