Prevalence and correlates of inappropriate use of benzodiazepines in kosovo

Session

Medicine and Nursing

Description

In post-war Kosovo, the magnitude of inappropriate use of enzodiazepines is unknown to date. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and correlates of continuation of intake of benzodiazepines beyond prescription (referred to as ‘‘inappropriate use’’) in the adult population of Gjilan region in Kosovo.Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Gjilan region in 2015 including a representative sample of 780 individuals attending different pharmacies and reporting use of benzodiazepines (385 men and 395 women; age range 18–87 years; response rate: 90%). A structured questionnaire was administered to all participants inquiring about the use of benzodiazepines and socio-demographic characteristics.Results: Overall, the prevalence of inappropriate use of benzodiazepines was 58%. In multivariable-adjusted models, inappropriate use of benzodiazepines was significantly associated with older age (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1–2.7), middle education (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2–2.7), daily use (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1–2.0) and addiction awareness (OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.0–3.8). Furthermore, there was evidence of a borderline relationship with rural residence (OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.9–1.7).Conclusion: Our study provides novel evidence about the prevalence and selected correlates of inappropriate use of benzodiazepines in Gjilan region of Kosovo. Health professionals and policymakers in Kosovo should be aware of the magnitude and determinants of drug misuse in this transitional society.

Keywords:

Addiction, Benzodiazepines, Inappropriate use of drugs, Kosovo

Session Chair

Ilir Ahmetgjekaj

Session Co-Chair

Nagib Elshani

Proceedings Editor

Edmond Hajrizi

ISBN

978-9951-437-96-7

Location

Lipjan, Kosovo

Start Date

31-10-2020 3:00 PM

End Date

31-10-2020 5:00 PM

DOI

10.33107/ubt-ic.2020.384

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Oct 31st, 3:00 PM Oct 31st, 5:00 PM

Prevalence and correlates of inappropriate use of benzodiazepines in kosovo

Lipjan, Kosovo

In post-war Kosovo, the magnitude of inappropriate use of enzodiazepines is unknown to date. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and correlates of continuation of intake of benzodiazepines beyond prescription (referred to as ‘‘inappropriate use’’) in the adult population of Gjilan region in Kosovo.Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Gjilan region in 2015 including a representative sample of 780 individuals attending different pharmacies and reporting use of benzodiazepines (385 men and 395 women; age range 18–87 years; response rate: 90%). A structured questionnaire was administered to all participants inquiring about the use of benzodiazepines and socio-demographic characteristics.Results: Overall, the prevalence of inappropriate use of benzodiazepines was 58%. In multivariable-adjusted models, inappropriate use of benzodiazepines was significantly associated with older age (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1–2.7), middle education (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2–2.7), daily use (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1–2.0) and addiction awareness (OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.0–3.8). Furthermore, there was evidence of a borderline relationship with rural residence (OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.9–1.7).Conclusion: Our study provides novel evidence about the prevalence and selected correlates of inappropriate use of benzodiazepines in Gjilan region of Kosovo. Health professionals and policymakers in Kosovo should be aware of the magnitude and determinants of drug misuse in this transitional society.