[Consumption of anxiolytic benzodiazepines: a correlation between SNGPC data and sociodemographic indicators in Brazilian capitals]

Abstract

The scope of this article is to determine the distribution and frequency of consumption of anxiolytic benzodiazepines and the correlation between consumption and demographic, epidemiological, economic and social characteristics. It is an ecological study with a sample of 27 state capitals. Data collection was performed through the ANVISA database for the dispensation of Alprazolam, Bromazepam, Clonazepam, Diazepam and Lorazepam in 2010-2012, the 2010 Demographic Census (IBGE), DATASUS and Medical Demographic Research. Descriptive statistical analysis and multiple linear regression analyses were performed for data analysis. The northern region has capitals with the lowest and the southeast has capitals with the highest average consumption of these products. The average consumption for the population of all capitals was 3.60 DHD. Alprazolam is the drug most dispensed by pharmacies and private drugstores with average 2.00 DHD for the capitals. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that 76% of the variation was explained by population density (β = 0.310 p = 0.045) and percentage of physicians (β = 0.507 p = 0.016). The consumption of short half-life anxiolytics has been on the increase, mainly in the cities of greater population density and concentration of physicians.