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Benzodiazepine use in Santiago, Chile
R Fritsch Montero1, G Rojas Castillo, J Gaete Olivares
1Facultad de Medicina, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile, Avenida La Paz 1003, Santiago, Chile. rfritsch@ns.hospital.uchile.cl
Actas Espanolas De Psiquiatria
|September 13, 2005
Summary
Benzodiazepine use affects 3.84% of adults in Santiago, Chile, with significant links to gender, age, income, mental health, and perceived health. General practitioners need training to regulate this medication use.
Area of Science:
- Psychopharmacology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Benzodiazepine prescriptions are common in adult populations.
- Understanding usage patterns and associated factors is crucial for public health initiatives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of benzodiazepine use in adults in Santiago, Chile.
- To identify sociodemographic and medical factors associated with benzodiazepine consumption.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted.
- A probabilistic, multi-stage, and stratified sampling strategy was employed.
- The study included 3,870 adults aged 16 to 64 years from Santiago, Chile.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of benzodiazepine use was 3.84%.
- Significant associations were observed between benzodiazepine use and gender, age, marital status, income, presence of common mental disorders, and health perception.
Conclusions:
- Benzodiazepine use is associated with various sociodemographic and health factors in the adult population of Santiago.
- Enhanced training for general practitioners is essential for the appropriate regulation of benzodiazepine prescriptions.