Factors relating to the choice of antihypertensive and hypnotic drug treatment in old patients. A study of a sample of Norwegian general practitioners.

The aim of this study was to investigate factors relating to GPs' choices and opinions as regards the prescribing of antihypertensives and sedatives for old patients (75 years and above). The study was carried out by a postal questionnaire sent to all municipal GPs in Oslo (N = 114) and all other GPs who have a financial agreement with the municipality (N = 121). The response rate was 60%. Female and older doctors stated more often than male and younger doctors that they select diuretics rather than calcium antagonists and ACE-inhibitors as the first-choice antihypertensive drug. The choice of sleep medication showed a high degree of conformity, with triazolam as the predominant drug. A majority favoured drug formularies and treatment programmes. Female doctors were significantly more favourable to treatment programmes, compared with males.