[Prevalence and factors associated with benzodiazepine use in children and adult inpatients].

Background: Given the growing focus on deprescribing, it is crucial to thoroughly evaluate our benzodiazepine prescribing practices considering the potential risks.

Aim: To investigate the prevalence and predictors of benzodiazepine prescriptions during psychiatric hospitalization and as discharge medication.

Method: This retrospective electronic patient file study included psychiatric admissions at the UMC Utrecht between 12/01/01 and 21/04/01. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate prevalence of benzodiazepine prescriptions in youth and adults. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to predict factors associated with benzodiazepine prescriptions and dosage.

Results: In total, we analyzed data from 856 admissions of youth and 4002 admissions of adults. 36.0% of the youth were prescribed benzodiazepines during admission and 14.8% at discharge. Associated factors were age (OR: 1.38) and bipolar disorder (OR: 3.98). In adults, 69.7% were prescribed benzodiazepines during admission and 37.6% at discharge. Associated factors were length of hospital stay (OR: 1.01) and anxiety disorders (OR: 2.53). Male sex, age (resp. higher and lower), and a longer length of stay predicted benzodiazepine dosages for both youth (B = 3.48; 95% CI: 0.83-0.07) and adults (B = 2.17; 95% CI: -0.04-0.05).

Conclusion: Benzodiazepines are frequently prescribed during inpatient stays and at discharge in youth and adults, offering opportunities for deprescribing.