Abstract

FIRMINO, Karleyla Fassarela; ABREU, Mauro Henrique Nogueira Guimarães de; PERINI, Edson  and  MAGALHAES, Sérgia Maria Starling. Factors associated with benzodiazepine prescription by local health services in Coronel Fabriciano, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Cad. Saúde Pública [online]. 2011, vol.27, n.6, pp. 1223-1232. ISSN 0102-311X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0102-311X2011000600019.

Numerous countries have witnessed increasing misuse of benzodiazepines. This cross-sectional study assessed the factors associated with prescription of benzodiazepines for users of the Municipal Health Service in Colonel Fabriciano, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Data were collected from official records on drug prescription (n = 1,866) from September to October 2006. Bivariate and multivariate analyses using Poisson regression were performed. Prolonged benzodiazepine use was independently associated with benzodiazepine type and patient participation in health programs. Concomitant use of other psychoactive drugs was independently associated with age and participation in health programs. Type of benzodiazepine (clonazepam or diazepam) was independently associated with age and gender, as well as with participation in health programs. Factors associated with benzodiazepine prescription show the problem's extent and should be considered in planning interventions to rationalize the use of these drugs in Brazil, particularly through health program planning.

Keywords : Benzodiazepines; Psychotropic Drugs; Pharmacoepidemiology.