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Published on: February 20, 2018
Benzodiazepine receptor agonist dispensations in Alberta: a population-based descriptive study
Daniala L Weir1, Salim Samanani1, Fizza Gilani1
1Clinical and Health Informatics Research Group (Weir), Faculty of Medicine and Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health (Weir), McGill University, Montréal, Que.; Okaki Health Intelligence (Samanani), Calgary, Alta.; College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (Gilani, Jess); School of Public Health (Eurich), University of Alberta; Alliance for Canadian Health Outcomes Research in Diabetes (Eurich), Edmonton, Alta.
Benzodiazepine receptor agonist (BZRA) use in Alberta was high in 2015, affecting 10% of the population. A significant portion of BZRA prescriptions appeared potentially inappropriate, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Growing concerns surround the use of benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZRAs).
- Understanding BZRA dispensing patterns is crucial for public health initiatives.
- This study addresses the need for data on BZRA utilization in Alberta.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe benzodiazepine receptor agonist (BZRA) dispensations in Alberta in 2015.
- To analyze BZRA use by age, sex, and appropriateness.
- To identify trends in BZRA prescribing and patient utilization.
Main Methods:
- A population-based descriptive study was conducted in Alberta, Canada.
- Data included individuals aged 10 years and older with at least one BZRA dispensation in 2015.
- Prevalence, dispensing characteristics, individual use patterns, and appropriateness were determined.
Main Results:
- 10% of the Alberta population (372,870 individuals) received 2,463,585 BZRA dispensations in 2015.
- BZRA use prevalence increased with age and was higher in females.
- 17% of users received multiple distinct BZRA ingredients concurrently, and 10% had three or more prescribers.
Conclusions:
- High prevalence of benzodiazepine receptor agonist (BZRA) use was observed in Alberta.
- A substantial proportion of BZRA use was potentially inappropriate.
- Continued population-level monitoring of BZRA prescribing and use is recommended.
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