Objective: To know more about the characteristics of long-term users of hypnotic and tranquillising drugs in a primary health care area in The Netherlands.
Design: A questionnaire was applied to users of benzodiazepines and the computerised medical records were analysed.
Setting: Nine general practices affiliated to the Registration Network Family Practices (RNH) of the University of Maastricht (UM).
Subjects: A sample of 506 users, aged > or = 30 years, was divided into four categories: short-term (< 3 months) users (once-only and episodic) and long-term users (episodic and continuous).
Results: In 1992/93, 81% were long-term users and 42% of these took their drug continuously. All groups investigated had a preponderance of women. Health problems more so than social problems led to use of the drug. Long-term use was associated with older age, depressive behaviour in handling problems, a higher score on the medicine addiction index, problems with children or housing, and satisfaction with the effects of the drug.
Conclusion: Most people taking benzodiazepines are long-term users. Age, depressive behaviour, addiction, satisfaction and problems with children or housing are risk factors for long-term use. Gender is not risk factor.
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