[Prevalence and factors associated with benzodiazepine use in children and adult inpatients].

BACKGROUND

Given the growing focus on deprescribing, it is crucial to thoroughly evaluate our benzodiazepine prescribing practices considering the potential risks.

AIM: To investigate the prevalence and predictors of benzodiazepine prescriptions during psychiatric hospitalization and as discharge medication.

METHOD: This retrospective electronic patient file study included psychiatric admissions at the UMC Utrecht between 12/01/01 and 21/04/01. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate prevalence of benzodiazepine prescriptions in youth and adults. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to predict factors associated with benzodiazepine prescriptions and dosage.

RESULTS

In total, we analyzed data from 856 admissions of youth and 4002 admissions of adults. 36.0% of the youth were prescribed benzodiazepines during admission and 14.8% at discharge. Associated factors were age (OR: 1.38) and bipolar disorder (OR: 3.98). In adults, 69.7% were prescribed benzodiazepines during admission and 37.6% at discharge. Associated factors were length of hospital stay (OR: 1.01) and anxiety disorders (OR: 2.53). Male sex, age (resp. higher and lower), and a longer length of stay predicted benzodiazepine dosages for both youth (B = 3.48; 95% CI: 0.83-0.07) and adults (B = 2.17; 95% CI: -0.04-0.05).

CONCLUSION

Benzodiazepines are frequently prescribed during inpatient stays and at discharge in youth and adults, offering opportunities for deprescribing.