title: Level and factors of benzodiazepines misuse in Albania.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There is little evidence on benzodiazepine misuse and associated factors in transitional countries of the Western Balkans.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to assess the level and socioeconomic correlates of misuse of benzodiazepine drugs in the Albanian adult population.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a cross-sectional study including a representative sample of 422 individuals (158 men and 264 women) who were benzodiazepines users. A structured questionnaire included data on age, gender, type of drug used, and awareness of possibility to develop dependence and continuation of therapy after prescription.
  
  
  RESULTS
  289 individuals reported treatment continuation compared with 89 participants who reported no continuation of benzodiazepine drugs. There were no significant age group (P = 0.351), sex (P = 0.454), or educational differences (P = 0.117) in treatment continuation. Age was inversely related to the awareness of becoming dependent with the prolonged use of benzodiazepines (78.4% of the persons aged ≤40 years were aware of the dependence versus 51.9% in the age group >40 years; P = 0.002).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our study provides pioneering evidence on the use and misuse of benzodiazepines in Albania. Findings from this study may influence the reforms and policy formulation related to drug misuse in Albania.
authors: Pharmaceutical Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania. skellici@gmail.com
authors: Suela
authors: S
authors: Kellici
authors: Ela
authors: E
authors: Hoti
authors: Genc
authors: G
authors: Burazeri
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000415:Albania / Q000453:epidemiology; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D001569:Benzodiazepines