High-dose and Long-term Users of Hypnotic and Sedative Drugs among Taiwanese Outpatients: Prevalence and Correlates from a Population-based Analysis
Journal Title: Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research - Year 2014, Vol 4, Issue 7
Abstract
Aims: This study aims to analyze the dose and length of hypnotic and sedative drug prescriptions under a free-to-visit health insurance system. Study Design: Outpatients aged 15 years and older covered by the Taiwan National Health Insurance during 2007 (N=1,337,444) are included in this study. Methodology: The total amount of prescriptions for each patient was described according to the WHO Defined Daily Dosage (DDD) equivalent. Participants were categorized into 4 groups by dimensions of length (90 days) and dose (3 DDD per day). Patient characteristics and prescription drug use patterns were examined using a multinomial logit regression. Results: Although most prescription doses fell within the recommended ranges, the average flunitrazepam dose was substantially higher than that recommended for both long-term and high-dose users. Our results indicate that male sex, a psychiatric illness diagnosis, and receiving care at more than one institute were positively correlated with long-term use. However, these factors were negatively correlated with high-dose user. Distinct differences between the characteristics associated with long-term and high-dose use were observed, compared with normal users. Conclusion: These findings call for clinicians and policy makers to focus their attention on potential safety and efficiency issues. The alignment of prescribing practices and guidelines is highly recommended.
Authors and Affiliations
Yu-Ping Wen, Ming-Ju Shieh, Hui-Chin Lin, Hsu-Min Tseng
Keywords
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- EP ID EP349003
- DOI 10.9734/BJMMR/2014/7188
- Views 68
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