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Abstract
Background: Benzodiazepine (BZD) dependence among seniors is an understudied problem. Objective: Identify the factors associated with BZD dependence. Method: Face-to-face computer-assisted interviews were conducted in the homes of 2,785 persons aged 65 years or older, randomly selected. Results: Nine-and-a-half percent of BZD users met DSM-IV-TR criteria for BZD dependence. Factors associated with BZD dependence are being a woman, and having cognitive impairment, panic disorders, suicidal ideations, and a degree of embarrassment in obtaining help for emotional problem. Discussion: Nurses should be better positioned to identify those elderly users of BZDs who are more likely to be dependent and to address the problem through BZD withdrawal program.
Notes
The authors wish to thank the Canadian Institute for Health Research for its financial support (reference number: 52350). This work was also supported through a Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec (Quebec Health Research Funds) and Fonds de la recherche en sciences infirmières du Québec (Quebec Nursing Research Funds) Investigator Award to Philippe Voyer.