Prevalence and correlates of inappropriate use of benzodiazepines in Kosovo.
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.
['Tahiri|Zejdush|Z|', 'Kellici|Suela|S|', 'Mone|Iris|I|', 'Shabani|Driton|D|', 'Qazimi|Musa|M|', 'Burazeri|Genc|G|']
D000293:Adolescent D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D000369:Aged, 80 and over D001569:Benzodiazepines D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies D005260:Female D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice D006801:Humans D057970:Inappropriate Prescribing D063826:Kosovo D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D000067561:Potentially Inappropriate Medication List D015995:Prevalence D055815:Young Adult
Benzodiazepines Kosovo Addiction Inappropriate use of drugs