4CPS-193 Long-term impact of a pharmaceutical intervention on benzodiazepine use: a gender perspective

<h3>Background and Importance</h3> Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are widely prescribed to treat anxiety and insomnia, but prolonged use carries the risk of dependence and adverse effects. Prescription patterns vary between rural and urban areas, as well as between men and women, with research indicating a significant gender gap, as women are more likely to consume these medications than men. <h3>Aim and Objectives</h3> To evaluate the effect of a pharmaceutical intervention aimed at reducing BZD consumption, analysing differences by gender and healthcare area (urban and rural) from 2021 to 2023. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> A pre-post study was conducted in two healthcare areas, one urban and one rural, covering a total population of 690,000 inhabitants, with 36 healthcare units, 521 general practitioners, and nine primary care pharmacists. All adult patients with an active BZD prescription between 2021 and 2023 were included. Data were extracted from a prescription database. The variables analysed were the BZD consumption rate (defined daily dose (DDD)/1000 inhabitants), adjusted by sex and area. The intervention included training sessions for primary care physicians, distribution of informational materials on the safe management of BZDs, and guidance and monitoring of prescriptions. Total BZD rates and gender differences were compared before and after the intervention. <h3>Results</h3> In the rural area, the BZD rate in 2021 was 106.39 DDD/1000 inhabitants, compared to 101.47 DDD/1000 in the urban area. In 2022, the rates were 105.28 DDD/1000 (−1.11%) in the rural area and 98.96 DDD/1000 (−2.51%) in the urban area. By 2023, a reduction of 4.71% was observed in the rural area and 5.02% in the urban area compared to 2022. Women consistently had higher BZD consumption than men in both settings. In 2021, the gender difference rate was 54.91 points in the rural area and 36.11 points in the urban area, by 2023, this difference rate was 50.97 points in the rural area and 30.19 points in the urban area. <h3>Conclusion and Relevance</h3> The pharmaceutical intervention was effective, particularly in rural areas and among women. Collaboration between pharmacists and physicians was key to the success of the intervention. Continued strategies differentiated by gender are recommended. <h3>References and/or Acknowledgements</h3> <h3>Conflict of Interest</h3> No conflict of interest