[Hypnotics and tranquillisers. Patients' knowledge and attitudes.]

To elicit patients' views and attitudes towards the use of hypnotics and tranquillisers and their knowledge about such drugs and household remedies.

During 1986-1993 a total of 577 individuals in Egilsstaethir district (3029 inhabitants) had used sedatives and/or tranquillisers. Out of this group a stratified randomised sample composing 208 individuals, received a questionnaire with 22 or 24 questions about the use of tranquillisers and hypnotics.

The mean age was 55.1 years for users of tranquillisers, 60.1 years for the users of hypnotics. Women were in majority in both groups, most of them were married and working outside the home. Users of tranquillisers were divided into two main categories i.e. daily users and occasional users. Only a few used tranquillisers two or three times daily. Many used tranquillisers only as sleeping medicine. A fourth of the participants began using hypnotics after sleeping problems of less than one month. Doctors usually prescribed the medicines the first time they were used. 55% have tried household remedies against anxiety and sleeping problems. A majority had tried to stop using these medicines. Feelings of guilt because of the use of medicines was not common. Participants were well informed about how much sleep is needed.

Our results show that most of the patients in the research area had gripped their doctors' message regarding sleeping problems, health promotion and the risk of addiction after continuous use of hypnotics and tranquillisers. It is however likely, that more education in this direction can further increase health promotion and minimise the use of drugs.