Evaluation of Benzodiazepine Use in Adults at a Community Health Center

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the patterns of benzodiazepine use at a community health center in adults and to identify common demographic factors and chronic conditions that are associated with an increased usage rate. Subjects: Patients 18 years and older who had been treated at El Rio Community Health Center with an active benzodiazepine prescription on file. Methods: Data were collected from patient charts using a data collection form. Assessment included current benzodiazepine patients were taking, concurrent use of opiates and/or antispasmotics, indication for benzodiazepine use, concurrent medications for anxiety, depression, or insomnia, and prescriber type. Demographic data on age, gender, race, ethnicity, insurance type, and use of tobacco or alcohol were also collected. Results: Data were collected on 102 patients currently taking a benzodiazepine; 60 patients (mean age = 61.2, SD = 13.6) had concurrent first-line therapy for anxiety, depression, or insomnia and 42 patients (mean = 61.1, SD = 13.6) did not. There were a significantly higher proportion of women taking a benzodiazepine with first-line therapy than without first-line therapy (88.3% vs. 71.4%; p = 0.031). Additionally, higher proportion of benzodiazepine was prescribed with first-line therapy for depression than other indications (p = 0.002). Conclusions: More patients were prescribed benzodiazepines with concurrent first-line therapy for depression than other indications such as anxiety, insomnia, or other panic disorders. For this reason, health care professionals should be aware of the patterns of benzodiazepine use and comply with current recommended practice guidelines.