Determinants of benzodiazepine prescribing and administration in a public hospital

There is increasing concern with problems of benzodiazepine dependence resulting from long-term use of these drugs. Recent studies have shown that hospitalized patients are frequently prescribed benzodiazepines, often on a short-term basis, but sometimes with discharge prescriptions which may lead to more prolonged use. The present study investigated the factors affecting whether or not a patient was prescribed and administered a benzodiazepine in a public hospital. Patients from a range of medical and surgical wards were assessed to determine their normal sleeping patterns and sleeping patterns during their stay in hospital. Levels of anxiety were also measured. Rates of use were high, with 77% of the sample being prescribed a benzodiazepine and 52% of the whole group receiving the drug on at least one occasion. Age, sex, occupation, and marital status were not significantly associated with prescription or administration. Similarly, anxiety levels before and during admission did not predict usage. However, those prescribed and those actually administered the drug had significantly poorer sleep patterns. The high rate of use of benzodiazepines in this hospital appears to be a response to self-reported sleep difficulties.