[Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of benzodiazepine utilization in an urban population]

Abstract

In conjunction with a population survey of the prevalence of hypertension, conducted in Vienna, the consumption of benzodiazepines was investigated. In cooperation with a public opinion survey institute a quota sample of 1470 Viennese aged over 15 years was visited in their homes by 50 physicians trained in interview techniques. The quota sample comprised 0.959% of the population of 1,531,346 inhabitants and was representative in terms of age, sex, social status and area of residence. 5.3% of the probands took Benzodiazepines often, frequently or at least sometimes. Female sex and higher age correlated significantly with Benzodiazepine use, which was furthermore significantly influenced by the presence of psychopathological symptoms and the responder's subjective feeling of being under stress. Co-medication and physical illness were correlated with a higher benzodiazepine use.