Prevalência de uso de benzodiazepínicos em idosos e fatores associados

Abstract

The aging process is associated with higher susceptibility to chronic diseases, disabilities, psychosocial problems and comorbidities. Medications are part of most therapeutic approaches, conducing elderly to use more drugs than other age groups in society. Among the most used drugs by elderly, it emphasizes the use of benzodiazepines. Adverse effects of benzodiazepines in elderly are well established, such as sleep disturbance, cognitive impairment, impairment in activities of daily living, increases in rates of accident, falls and fractures. This study aims to assess the prevalence, factors associated with the use of benzodiazepines in elderly and potential drug interactions. This is a cross-sectional study, conducted through a household survey with 423 elderly residents in the North Zone of Juiz de Fora, MG. Collection of data was done in domicile of the elderly, between September 2014 and March 2015. The dependent variable was chronic use of benzodiazepines. The chi-square test was used in the bivariate analysis to determine the association between each independent variables and the dependent variable. In multivariate analysis, the Poisson regression model was used, based on the theoretical model of determination with hierarchical blocks. The variables were adjusted within each block, remaining in the final model to those with 5% significance level. The search and classification of potential drug interactions was carried out using the Micromedex® system. Regarding drug therapy, 92.0% of older adults used at least one chronic use of medication. Of these, 48.4% were used five or more drugs, characterized polypharmacy. The prevalence of benzodiazepine use was 18.3% (95% CI 15.2-22.6). The majority of the benzodiazepines used have a long elimination half-live (59.2%) and the duration of benzodiaepine use was considered long in 85.5% of the users. Among the users of benzodiazepines, 38.4% also used antidepressants. The use of benzodiazepines was associated to the presence of mental and behavioral disorders, polypharmacy and medical visits in the last three months. Among the users of benzodiazepines, 69.9% had at least one potential drug interaction. Of these interactions, 15.9% were related to benzodiazepines. In the elderly who use benzodiazepines, polypharmacy was high in the elderly who use benzodiazepines, including interactions of highly significant clinical value. The prescription in the elderly, as well as long-term use, should be evaluated individually, considering the physiological changes of the elderly and the adverse effects of drugs, and the risk of drug interactions.