Benzodiazepine Prescribing and Fall Risks in Elderly Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Gillian Bartlett, Michal Abrahamowicz, Roland Grad, Marie-Pierre Sylvestre, Robyn Tamblyn
Primary Institution: McGill University
Hypothesis
Are elderly patients with pre-existing risk factors for falls more likely to be prescribed benzodiazepines?
Conclusion
Elderly patients with conditions that increase the risk of falls are more likely to receive new benzodiazepine prescriptions.
Supporting Evidence
- 69% of elderly patients never filled a benzodiazepine prescription.
- 31% of patients filled at least one benzodiazepine prescription over five years.
- Women were more likely to receive benzodiazepine prescriptions compared to men.
Takeaway
Older people who are already at risk of falling are often given medications that can make them fall even more.
Methodology
Logistic regression models were used to evaluate predictors of new benzodiazepine use among elderly patients in Quebec.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the inability to comprehensively capture mental health issues and the effects of multiple prescribing physicians.
Limitations
The study relied on administrative databases, which may not capture actual benzodiazepine use and could lead to under-reporting of certain conditions.
Participant Demographics
Average age was 73.4 years, with 52% being women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.11–1.13
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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