Changes in prevalence of psychotropic drug use and alcohol consumption among the elderly in Germany: results of two National Health Interview and Examination Surveys 1997-99 and 2008-11

Prevalence and change in alcohol consumption in older adults over time, assessed with self-report and Phosphatidylethanol 16:0/18:1 -The HUNT Study

BACKGROUND

Changes in alcohol consumption may affect older adults' health. We examined prevalence and changes in the alcohol consumption of older women and men (≥65 years) in Norway over a 24-year period.

METHODS

Data from three population-based health surveys (The Trøndelag Health Study-HUNT2 1995-97, HUNT3 2006-08, HUNT4 2017-19) were used. Alcohol consumption was measured using self-reported measures and an objective measure of alcohol consumption (Phosphatidylethanol 16:0/18:1, PEth). Self-reported lifetime abstinence, former drinking, current drinking, frequent drinking (≥4 times/week), and risk drinking (≥8 units/week) were measured. The PEth concentrations were stratified: <0.03 μmol/l (abstinence/very low level of alcohol consumption); >0.06 μmol/l (indicating >1 unit/day); >0.10 μmol/l (indicating >3 units/day), and >0.30 μmol/l (heavy alcohol consumption).

RESULTS

In HUNT4, the prevalence of self-reported lifetime abstinence, frequent drinking, and risk drinking was 5.2%, 4.4%, and 5.6%, respectively, while prevalence of PEth <0.03 μmol/l was 68.1% and PEth >0.06 μmol/l was 21.2%. Over the course of the three surveys, the prevalence of self-reported lifetime abstinence decreased, while the prevalence of frequent drinking and risk drinking increased. Men were less often abstainers and more often frequent and risky drinkers than women in all three surveys. Gender differences for abstinence and current drinking reduced with time. From HUNT3 to HUNT4, the prevalence of PEth <0.03 μmol/l decreased, while the prevalence of PEth >0.06 μmol/l increased. Men compared to women, had less often PEth <0.03 μmol/l and more often PEth >0.06 and >0.10 μmol/l in HUNT3 and HUNT4. Women and men ≥75 years were just as likely to have PEth >0.30 μmol/l in HUNT4. The gender differences in PEth concentrations were reduced in HUNT4 among those aged 70-74 years or ≥75 years.

CONCLUSION

Alcohol consumption has increased among Norwegian older adults over a 24-year period, but at a slower pace during the last decade.

Professionals' perspectives on interventions to reduce problematic alcohol use in older adults: a realist evaluation of working elements

OBJECTIVES

This study set out to understand how (which elements), in what context and why (which mechanisms) interventions are successful in reducing (problematic) alcohol use among older adults, from the perspective of professionals providing these interventions.

DESIGN

Guided by a realist evaluation approach, an existing initial programme theory (IPT) on working elements in alcohol interventions was evaluated by conducting semistructured interviews with professionals.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

These professionals (N=20) provide interventions across several contexts: with or without practitioner involvement; in-person or not and in an individual or group setting. Data were coded and links between contexts, elements, mechanisms and outcomes were sought for to confirm, refute or refine the IPT.

RESULTS

From the perspective of professionals, there are several general working elements in interventions for older adults: (1) pointing out risks and consequences of drinking behaviour; (2) paying attention to abstinence; (3) promoting contact with peers; (4) providing personalised content and (5) providing support. We also found context-specific working elements: (1) providing personalised conversations and motivational interviewing with practitioners; (2) ensuring safety, trust and a sense of connection and a location nearby home or a location that people are familiar with in person and (3) sharing experiences and tips in group interventions. Furthermore, the mechanisms awareness and accessible and low threshold participation were important contributors to positive intervention outcomes.

CONCLUSION

In addition to the IPT, our findings emphasise the need for social contact and support, personalised content, and strong relationships (both between client and practitioner, and client and peers) in interventions for older adults.

Stakeholders' views on the use of psychotropic medication in older people: a systematic review

Background

psychotropic medication use has been shown to increase with age and has been associated with increased risk of falls, strokes and mortality. Various guidelines, regulations and tools have been developed to reduce inappropriate prescribing, but this remains high. In order to understand the reasons for this, we aimed to systematically review healthcare professionals’, patients’ and family caregivers’ attitudes towards the use of psychotropic medication in older people.

Methods

a systematic literature search was carried out from inception to September 2020 using PUBMED, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL and hand-searching of reference lists. Included studies investigated stakeholder views on psychotropic in adults over the age of 65. Findings were thematically synthesised.

Results

overall, there was an acceptance of long-term psychotropic medication for older people both living in the community and in residential care. While healthcare professionals were aware of guidelines for the use of benzodiazepines and psychotropic medicines, they identified barriers to following them on individual, team and organisational levels. Alternative non-pharmacological approaches were not always available or accepted by patients.

Conclusion

psychotropic medicine use in older adults remains a complex issue, which needs to be addressed on a broad level. Attitudes of older people and healthcare professionals encourage long-term use. Meanwhile, various internal and external factors act as barriers to the use of non-drug alternatives in this population. In order to reduce overprescribing of psychotropics, there is a need to increase the acceptability and accessibility of alternative interventions in both care homes and the community.

The changing alcohol drinking patterns among older adults show that women are closing the gender gap in more frequent drinking: the Tromsø study, 1994-2016

BACKGROUND

As the population of older adults continues to grow, changes in alcohol consumption are important to monitor because an increase may have public health consequences. Rates of alcohol use vary with geographical location. The aim of this study was to examine trends in alcohol consumption among older adults in a geographically defined area in Norway, especially changing sex differences in drinking patterns over a 22-year period.

METHODS

Repeated cross-sectional survey (in 1994-95, 2007-08, and 2015-16) of a general population of older adults. Eligible for this study were 20,939 participants (aged 60-99 years). The data were analysed using generalized estimating equations, stratified by age and sex. Alcohol consumption and drinking patterns were assessed, using an adaptation of the AUDIT-C.

RESULTS

Between 1994 and 2016, there has been a significant increase in the proportion of current drinkers among older adults. Furthermore, the probability of frequent drinking (alcohol consumption at least twice weekly) increased significantly between 1994 and 2016, particularly among older women; OR 8.02 (CI 5.97-10.79) and OR 5.87 (CI 4.00-8.63) in the age groups 60-69 and 70+ respectively for women, and OR 4.13 (CI 3.42-4.99) and OR 3.10 (CI 2.41-3.99), in the age groups 60-69 and 70+ respectively for men. The majority of older adults drank small amounts of alcohol on typical drinking days, but there was an increasing probability of drinking three drinks or more on each occasion over the study period, except among women aged 70+ years.

CONCLUSIONS

Among older adults in Norway, alcohol consumption in terms of frequency and quantity on typical drinking days has increased considerably from 1996 to 2016. This change is in the opposite direction of what has been reported among younger adults. The gap between women and men in frequent drinking has been markedly narrowed, which indicate that women's drinking patterns are approaching those of men. This may involve a need to change alcohol policy in Norway to more targeted interventions aimed at older people.

[Identification of polypharmacy-associated risks among nursing home residents]

Einleitung

Multimorbidität im Alter ist u. a. ein Grund für intensivierte Pharmakotherapie. Gleichzeitig kann es mit steigender Medikamentenzahl zu einer Zunahme der Multimorbidität kommen, insbesondere wenn Interaktionen zwischen den Wirkstoffen zu unerwünschten Arzneiwirkungen (UAW) führen. Ziel dieser Untersuchung war es, in einer Pilotstudie Patienten zu identifizieren, die einem erhöhten Risiko für UAW unterliegen.

Methoden

In einer Querschnittserhebung wurden 918 in Heimen lebende psychiatrisch behandelte Alterspatienten untersucht (Altersmittel: 79,3 (±11,6) Jahre; 31,8 % Männer). Es kamen exemplarisch verschiedene Methoden zur Identifikation von möglichen Risikopatienten zur Anwendung: eine die Interaktionen der Gesamtmedikation erfassende „Clinical-Decision-Support-Software“(CDSS)-Onlinedatenbank, mediQ, und eine Negativliste, die pauschal zu vermeidende Präparate indiziert, die PRISCUS-Liste.

Ergebnis

Es hatten 76,3 % aller Studienpatienten bei Betrachtung der Gesamtmedikation ein klinisch relevantes Interaktionsrisiko (IR), 2,2 % standen unter einem darüber hinausgehenden potenziell starken UAW-Risiko durch Interaktionen. Ungefähr ein Viertel der untersuchten Studienpopulation erhielt potenziell inadäquate Medikamente gemäß PRISCUS.

Schlussfolgerung

Diese unterschiedlichen Zahlen zeigen die Komplexität der eindeutigen Identifikation von Risikopatienten am Beispiel dieser beiden, auf unterschiedlicher Grundlage basierenden Instrumente. Trotz des technischen Fortschritts sollte der Schwerpunkt der UAW-Vermeidung unverändert darauf liegen, Medikamente erst nach besonders gründlicher Prüfung der klinischen Indikation zu verordnen und eine adäquate Verlaufskontrolle zu gewährleisten. Die neuen CDSS oder Negativlisten bieten hierbei Unterstützung.

Increased use of benzodiazepines among older adults: Bambuí Project

BACKGROUND

Benzodiazepines are the most widely used psychoactive drugs, despite the risks associated with their prolonged use, especially among older adults.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the use of benzodiazepines among community-dwelling people aged ≥ 75 years.

METHODS

The study was conducted among members of the baseline (in 1997) and survivors (in 2012) of the Bambuí Project cohort. The prevalence of benzodiazepine use was estimated separately for each year, and the comparison between them was performed using the Poisson regression model with robust variance.

RESULTS

The prevalence of benzodiazepine use was higher in 2012 (33.9%) compared to 1997 (24.9%). After multiple adjustments, the difference in prevalence did not remain significant in study population (PR = 1.25; 95%CI 0.99 - 1.60), unlike that observed in the female stratum (PR = 1.38; 95%CI 1.04 - 1.84). Clonazepam was the strongest-growing drug between the two years (PR = 4.94; 95%CI 2.54 - 9.62).

CONCLUSION

This study showed an important increase in benzodiazepine use in an older adult population. These results are concerning as these drugs are contraindicated for use in older adults, mainly if used chronically, and are available in the national list of essential medicines. Health professionals should be aware of the risks involved in its use regarding this population.

Factors associated with alcohol consumption and prescribed drugs with addiction potential among older women and men - the Nord-Trøndelag health study (HUNT2 and HUNT3), Norway, a population-based longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Little is known about factors associated with alcohol consumption and use of drugs with addiction potential in older adults. The aim of this study was to explore the association between socio-demographic variables, physical and mental health and the later (11 years) use of frequent drinking, prescribed drugs with addiction potential and the possible combination of frequent drinking and being prescribed drugs with addiction potential in older adults (≥ 65 years).

METHODS

In this longitudinal study, we used data from two surveys of the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT2 1995-1997 and HUNT3 2006-2008), a population based study in Norway. We totally included 10,656 individuals (5683 women) aged 54 years and older when they participated in HUNT2. Frequent drinking was defined as drinking alcohol 4 days or more per week. Data on prescribed drugs with addiction potential were drawn from the Norwegian Prescription Database. Drugs with addiction potential were defined as at least one prescription of benzodiazepines, z-hypnotics or opioids during one year for a minimum of two consecutive years between 2005 and 2009.

RESULTS

The typical frequent drinker in HUNT3 was younger, more educated, lived in urban areas, and reported smoking and drinking frequently in HUNT2 compared to the non-frequent drinker in HUNT3. The typical user of prescribed drugs with addiction potential in HUNT3 was an older woman who smoked and was in poor health, suffered from anxiety, had been hospitalized in the last 5 years and used anxiety or sleep medication every week or more often in HUNT2. The typical individual in HUNT3 with the possible combination of frequent drinking and being prescribed drugs with addiction potential had more education, smoked, drank frequently and used anxiety or sleep medication in HUNT2.

CONCLUSION

Individuals who were identified as frequent drinkers in HUNT2 were more likely to be frequent drinkers in HUNT3, and to have the possible combination of frequent drinking and being prescribed drugs with addiction potential in HUNT3. Health care professionals need to be aware of use of alcohol among older adults using drugs with addiction potential.

Mortality in older adults with frequent alcohol consumption and use of drugs with addiction potential - The Nord Trøndelag Health Study 2006-2008 (HUNT3), Norway, a population-based study

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate whether frequent drinking, use of drugs with addiction potential and the possible combination of frequent drinking and use of prescribed drugs with addiction potential were associated with all-cause mortality in older adults.

Methods

We used data from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT3 2006–08), a population-based study in Norway. A total of 11,545 (6,084 women) individuals 65 years and older at baseline participated. We assessed frequent drinking (≥ 4 days a week), occasional drinking (i.e. a few times a year), never drinking and non-drinking in the last year. Drugs with addiction potential were defined as at least one prescription of benzodiazepines, z-hypnotics or opioids during one year for a minimum of two consecutive years between 2005 and 2009. This information was drawn from the Norwegian Prescription Database. The main outcome was all-cause mortality with information drawn from the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry. Follow-up continued until death or latest at 31 December 2013. Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate all-cause mortality since date of study entry and exact age at time of death was unknown.

Results

The adjusted logistic regression analyses showed that frequent drinking was not associated with all-cause mortality compared to occasional drinking. Men who reported to be never drinkers and non-drinkers in the last year had higher odds of mortality compared to those who drank occasionally. Use of prescribed drugs with addiction potential was associated with increased mortality in men, but not in women. No association was found between the possible combination of frequent drinking and use of prescribed drugs with addiction potential and mortality.

Conclusion

Neither frequent drinking nor the possible combination of frequent drinking and use of prescribed drugs with addiction potential were associated with all-cause mortality in older women and men. Use of prescribed drugs with addiction potential was associated with higher odds of mortality in men. This finding should lead to more caution in prescribing drugs with addiction potential to this group.

Associations between the use of specific psychotropic drugs and all-cause mortality among older adults in Germany: Results of the mortality follow-up of the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey 1998

Background

Use of psychotropic drugs is common among older adults. Population-based studies on the associations of psychotropic drug use with mortality are sparse.

Objectives

To investigate the associations between the use of specific psychotropic drug groups (opioids, antipsychotics, antidepressants and benzodiazepines) and all-cause mortality among community-dwelling older adults in Germany.

Methods

Participants of the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey 1998 were followed up for mortality from 1997 to 2011. Persons aged 60–79 years with complete data on psychotropic drug use at baseline and on mortality follow-up were considered as study population (N = 1,563). Associations between the use of opioids, antipsychotics, antidepressants and benzodiazepines and all-cause mortality were examined by Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for sociodemographics (sex, age, community size, region, socioeconomic status), life style (smoking, sports, risky alcohol drinking) and health conditions (obesity, disability, history of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, any cancers, any mental disorders) at baseline.

Results

After a median follow-up of 11.4 years, 21, 18, 23 and 26 deaths were documented among those who used at baseline opioids (n = 39), antipsychotics (n = 30), antidepressants (n = 53) and benzodiazepines (n = 54) with an unadjusted mortality rate (MR) of 57.7, 59.1, 44.6 and 53.7 per 1000 person-years, respectively. Meanwhile, 400 deaths were documented among 1,406 nonusers of any of the above mentioned psychotropic drugs with a MR of 26.7 per 1000 person-years. The age and sex adjusted mortality rate ratios in comparison with nonusers were 2.20 (95% confidence intervals 1.42–3.41), 1.66(1.03–2.70), 1.56(1.06–2.28), and 1.57(1.07–2.31) for the use of opioids, antipsychotics, antidepressants and benzodiazepines, respectively. In the fully adjusted Cox models, use of opioids (hazardous ratio 2.04, 95% confidence intervals 1.07–3.89), antipsychotics (2.15, 1.11–4.15) and benzodiazepines (1.76, 1.09–2.82), but not antidepressants, were significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality.

Conclusions

Use of opioids, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines is significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality among community-dwelling older adults in Germany. Clinicians should be careful in prescribing these psychotropic drugs to older adults while patients already under psychotropic therapy should well balance the risks and benefits of drug use. Further studies with a larger sample size and information on specific indications for psychotropic drug use and mental comorbidities are required to confirm the findings of the present study.

Low-Dose Trazodone, Benzodiazepines, and Fall-Related Injuries in Nursing Homes: A Matched-Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate whether risk of fall-related injuries differs between nursing home (NH) residents newly dispensed low-dose trazodone and those newly dispensed benzodiazepines.

DESIGN

Retrospective, matched cohort study in linked, population-based administrative data. Matching was based on propensity score ( ± 0.2 standard deviations of the score as a caliper), age ( ± 1 year), sex, frailty status, and history of dementia. The derived propensity score included demographic characteristics, clinical comorbidities, cognitive and functional status, and risk factors for falls.

SETTING

All NHs in Ontario, Canada.

PARTICIPANTS

Propensity score-matched pairs of residents aged 66 and older who received a full clinical assessment between April 1, 2010, and March 31, 2015 (N=7,791).

MEASUREMENTS

Hospitalization (emergency department visit or acute care admission) for a fall-related injury within 90 days of exposure. Subdistribution hazard functions accounted for competing risk of death. Sensitivity analyses were used to examine falls resulting in hip or wrist fracture only, as well as different lengths of follow-up at 30, 60, and 180 days.

RESULTS

Cumulative incidence of a fall-related injury in the 90 days after index was 5.7% for low-dose trazodone users and 6.0% for benzodiazepine users (between-group change=-0.29, 95% confidence interval (CI)=-1.02-0.44]; hazard ratio=0.94, 95% CI=0.83-1.08). Findings were consistent across sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSION

New use of low-dose trazodone was no safer with respect to a risk of a fall-related injury than new use of benzodiazepines. Additional studies to compare the effectiveness and risks of low-dose trazodone with those of a variety of psychotropic drug therapies are required in light of increasing trends in the use of trazodone in NHs.

Association of psychotropic drug use with falls among older adults in Germany. Results of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults 2008-2011 (DEGS1)

Purpose

To investigate the association of psychotropic drug use with falls among older adults in Germany based on data from the National Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults 2008–2011 (DEGS1).

Methods

DEGS1 collected data on drug use in the past 7 days and on falls occurred in the last 12 months. Study participants were older adults aged 65–79 years with complete data on drug use and falls (N = 1,833). Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were derived from logistic regression models adjusting for potential confounders including socio-demographic characteristics, health-related behaviors (alcohol drinking), body mass index and health conditions (frailty, vision impairment, disability, polypharmacy, blood pressure) as well as use of potential falls-risk-increasing drugs. SPSS complex sample methods were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Compared to people without falls, people with falls (n = 370) had a higher psychotropic drug use (33.1% vs. 20.7%, p < .001). After adjusting for potential confounders, use of psychotropic drugs overall was associated with a higher risk of falls (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.14–2.37). This was particularly true for the use of synthetic psychotropic drugs (1.57, 1.08–2.28), antidepressants overall (2.88, 1.63–5.09) or synthetic antidepressants (2.66, 1.50–4.73), specifically, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (6.22, 2.28–17.0). Similar results were found for recurrent falls.

Conclusions

Use of psychotropic drugs overall, especially synthetic antidepressants like SSRIs, is associated with higher risks of falls and recurrent falls among community dwelling older adults aged 65–79 years in Germany.