[Factors associated with benzodiazepines dependence in insomnia patients]

The use of benzodiazepines as a treatment for insomnia can have side effects such as impaired coordination causing falls in adults and even dependence.

To assess the factors associated with dependence on benzodiazepines in patients with insomnia.

Observational, cross-sectional, prospective, and analytical study, at the first level of care. Patients older than 18 years with a diagnosis of insomnia and a benzodiazepine prescription were selected. The dependency was measured with the International Neuropsychiatric Interview.

107 patients were included. Median age 67 years, predominantly female (72%), 74% attended secondary school or more, 71% had more than 3 years of diagnosis, 84% used clonazepam. The 54% presented dependency. In the bivariate analysis, schooling RM 0.392 (95%CI: 0.15-0.96) p = 0.038, moderate and severe clinical insomnia RM 3.618 (95%CI: 1.44-9.08) p = 0.005 and more than 3 years of diagnosis RM 2.428 (95%CI: 1.03-5.71) p = 0.040. In the multivariate model, schooling (p = 0.084), years of diagnosis (p = 0.062) and frequency of consumption (p = 0.065) obtained an R2 of 0.13.

Primary schooling showed a lower risk of presenting dependence on benzodiazepines. The risk was increased in those with more than 3 years of diagnosis, and in those with moderate and severe insomnia.