Swedish physicians' inclination to prescribe benzodiazepines: differences between regions and characteristics of the prescriber

There are substantial differences in the sales of benzodiazepines between Swedish regions. In order to determine whether there are consistent differences in the inclination of Swedish doctors to prescribe benzodiazepines depending on region and characteristics of the prescriber, a questionnaire was sent to a stratified random sample of physicians (116 family practitioners, 78 psychiatrists, and 96 private practitioners). The questionnaire contained six case studies in which benzodiazepine treatment was suggested and two case studies concerning change of benzodiazepine dosage. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in the inclination to prescribe benzodiazepines depending on both region and the physician's age in two cases and the physician's speciality and gender in one case each. Psychiatrists and female physicians were, in general, less inclined to prescribe benzodiazepines. In spite of higher sales of benzodiazepines in Göteborg, physicians there had a lower inclination to prescribe benzodiazepines compared with physicians working in regions with lower prescription rates.