Initial 3-month usage characteristics predict long-term use of benzodiazepines: an 8-year follow-up.

Objective: The aim of the study was to identify initial usage predictors for prolonged benzodiazepine use.

Methods: An 8-year pharmacy data-based study (1983-1992) was carried out on a retrospective cohort of 425 initial benzodiazepine users. The setting was the only pharmacy in a community of 13,500 people.

The impact of attitudes and beliefs on length of benzodiazepine use: a study among inexperienced and experienced benzodiazepine users.

Prolonged benzodiazepine use is a widespread phenomenon in medical practice. In the present article, we argue that psychological models may contribute to our understanding of benzodiazepine use. This study examined variables derived from the theory of planned behaviour and the health belief model in relation to the length of benzodiazepine use.

Determinants of change in the intention to use benzodiazepines.

Objective: To examine attitudes and beliefs associated with changes in the intention to use benzodiazepines during the six-month period after first benzodiazepine use.

Design: Population-based 6-month follow-up with 3 measurement points (baseline, 2 weeks after inclusion, 6 months after inclusion).

Setting: Starting or initial benzodiazepine users were included during a period of 4 months from November 1994 in the only pharmacy of a Dutch community of 13,500 people.

Characteristics of current benzodiazepine users as indicators of differences in physical and mental health.

The relationship between characteristics of benzodiazepine exposure and health-status was examined in order to investigate risk profiles of benzodiazepine users. In the only pharmacy of a Dutch community of 13,500 inhabitants, all current benzodiazepine users that presented with a benzodiazepine prescription in November 1994 were invited to participate. On the basis of the RAND-36 questionnaire, summary scores for both physical and mental health were calculated, the Physical Component Summary (PCS) and the Mental Component Summary (MCS).

Bacterial and viral removal efficiency, heat and moisture exchange properties of four filtration devices.

Four devices used for filtration of microorganisms and/or for heating and moistening the ventilated air during mechanical ventilation were evaluated. This evaluation included measurement of bacterial and viral removal efficiency, heat and moisture exchange properties, dead space and air flow resistance. The devices included: Pall BB50T and DAR Sterivent (filtration devices); DAR Hygrobac and Gibeck Humid-vent [heat and moisture exchangers (HMEs)].