Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use and Discontinuation: Exploring Hemodialysis Patients' Perspectives

摘要

Background: Common comorbidities in patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis include anxiety and insomnia, which often result in the use of benzodiazepines. Given the risks associated with chronic benzodiazepine use, such as dependency, withdrawal, rebound symptoms, daytime sedation, falls, and fractures, it is important to understand patient factors contributing to long-term use in this population. Objective: The objective of the study was to understand patient factors contributing to the chronicity of benzodiazepine use by hemodialysis patients. Identifying these factors could assist in the development of strategies to reduce chronic use in these patients. Methods: The study consisted of qualitative semi-structured patient interviews. Interviewees were patients in an outpatient hemodialysis unit. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded using conventional content analysis. Relationships between codes were then identified and synthesized into major themes and subthemes.