Table 2

Some estimated factors from the model

Effect of gender, age and physician prescribed high amount of BZD
To levelGenderAgeFBZDP
1−0.008 (ns)0.0060.040 
2−0.1460.0070.262 
3−0.552−0.0210.127 
Effect of first drug choice (compared to diazepam)
OxazepamAlprazolamNitrazepam/flunitrazepamZopilone/zolpidemHydroxyzine/buspirone
10.1460.014 (ns)−0.0460.032−0.200
20.1670.165 (ns)0.5150.465−0.168
30.204−0.010 (ns)0.3750.063 (ns)−0.230 (ns)
Effect of other drugs
Opioids/antialcohol/smoke cessationAntidepressants/lithiumAntipsychoticsAntiasthmatics/COPD drugsCardiac drugsMethotrexate/steroids
10.1360.2140.1520.1000.0300.035
20.2720.2800.3980.1460.0900.249
30.7380.3340.5700.2660.002 (ns)0.194 (ns)
Effect of prescribers specialty (compared to no specialty)
General practitionerInternistPsychiatristSurgeonAnother specialty 
10.017−0.108−0.054−0.136−0.043 
2−0.0480.2000.1780.003 (ns)0.003 (ns) 
3−0.1520.066 (ns)−0.013 (ns)−0.119 (ns)−0.042 (ns) 
  • ns indicates not significant, 5% level.

  • BZD, Benzodiazepine; COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; FBZDP, Frequent BZD prescriber