Association of knowledge and attitudes with practices of misuse of tranquilizers: A cohort study in Spain

Tranquilizer misuse represents a growing international public health problem with heavy social and economic consequences. We aimed to identify the psychosocial determinants of this practice, focusing on modifiable factors including knowledge attitudes towards these medications. A prospective cohort study involving 847 adults accompanying children in primary care clinics was carried out Spain. validated Knowledge, Attitudes Practices (KAP) questionnaire tranquilizer use self-administered at baseline, then participants were followed-up bimonthly. event defined as unprescribed intake tranquilizers, storing/sharing leftovers and/or not adhering prescribed treatment period, timing or dosage. Poisson regression models applied estimate adjusted Incidence Rate Ratios (IRRs) their 95 % Confidence Intervals (CIs). Individuals’ personal tranquilizers treating physicians are strongly associated drugs. These include: individuals’ acceptance taking improve sleeping [IRR: 5.10 (95 %CI: 2.74–9.48)], work better 2.04 1.05–3.99)], for recreational purposes 1.85 1.04–3.32)]; willingness prolong course without medical consultation 2.45 1.46–4.13)]; agreeing storing possible future need 5.07 2.73–9.40)]; untrusting physician’s decision about prescription 1.92 1.12–3.30)]. The level is marginally misuse. There strong association between practices Educational interventional studies could help reduce incidence