Zejdush Tahiri1,2, Suela Kellici3, Iris Mone3, Driton Shabani3,4, Musa Qazimi3,5, Genc Burazeri6. 1. Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, Rr "Dibres", No. 371, Tirana, Albania. zejdushtahiri@hotmail.com. 2. Principal Family Medicine Center, St. Avdulla Tahiri, 60000, Gjilan, Kosovo. zejdushtahiri@hotmail.com. 3. Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, Rr "Dibres", No. 371, Tirana, Albania. 4. Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pristine, Rr. "Bulevardi i Deshmoreve", 10000, Pristine, Kosovo. 5. Principal Family Medicine Center, St. Avdulla Tahiri, 60000, Gjilan, Kosovo. 6. Department of International Health, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, School for Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Duboisdomein 30, 6229 GT, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In post-war Kosovo, the magnitude of inappropriate use of benzodiazepines is unknown to date. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and correlates of continuation of intake of benzodiazepines beyond prescription (referred to as "inappropriate use") in the adult population of Gjilan region in Kosovo. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Gjilan region in 2015 including a representative sample of 780 individuals attending different pharmacies and reporting use of benzodiazepines (385 men and 395 women; age range 18-87 years; response rate: 90%). A structured questionnaire was administered to all participants inquiring about the use of benzodiazepines and socio-demographic characteristics. RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of inappropriate use of benzodiazepines was 58%. In multivariable-adjusted models, inappropriate use of benzodiazepines was significantly associated with older age (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.7), middle education (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2-2.7), daily use (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-2.0) and addiction awareness (OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.0-3.8). Furthermore, there was evidence of a borderline relationship with rural residence (OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.9-1.7). CONCLUSION: Our study provides novel evidence about the prevalence and selected correlates of inappropriate use of benzodiazepines in Gjilan region of Kosovo. Health professionals and policymakers in Kosovo should be aware of the magnitude and determinants of drug misuse in this transitional society.
BACKGROUND: In post-war Kosovo, the magnitude of inappropriate use of benzodiazepines is unknown to date. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and correlates of continuation of intake of benzodiazepines beyond prescription (referred to as "inappropriate use") in the adult population of Gjilan region in Kosovo. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Gjilan region in 2015 including a representative sample of 780 individuals attending different pharmacies and reporting use of benzodiazepines (385 men and 395 women; age range 18-87 years; response rate: 90%). A structured questionnaire was administered to all participants inquiring about the use of benzodiazepines and socio-demographic characteristics. RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of inappropriate use of benzodiazepines was 58%. In multivariable-adjusted models, inappropriate use of benzodiazepines was significantly associated with older age (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.7), middle education (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2-2.7), daily use (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-2.0) and addiction awareness (OR 2.7, 95% CI 2.0-3.8). Furthermore, there was evidence of a borderline relationship with rural residence (OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.9-1.7). CONCLUSION: Our study provides novel evidence about the prevalence and selected correlates of inappropriate use of benzodiazepines in Gjilan region of Kosovo. Health professionals and policymakers in Kosovo should be aware of the magnitude and determinants of drug misuse in this transitional society.
Entities:
Keywords:
Addiction; Benzodiazepines; Inappropriate use of drugs; Kosovo
Authors: Sylvie Petitjean; Dieter Ladewig; Christoph R Meier; Roman Amrein; Gerhard A Wiesbeck Journal: Int Clin Psychopharmacol Date: 2007-09 Impact factor: 1.659
Authors: N Magrini; A Vaccheri; E Parma; R D'Alessandro; A Bottoni; M Occhionero; N Montanaro Journal: Eur J Clin Pharmacol Date: 1996 Impact factor: 2.953