Psychiatric disorder and the use of benzodiazepines: an example of the inverse care law from Brazil

Background: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Pelotas, southern Bra zil, to assess the relationship between the use of benzodiazepines (BZD), m inor psychiatric disorders (MPD) and social factors. Methods: A representat ive sample (n = 1277) was interviewed using the Self-Reporting Questionnair e (SRQ-20) for MPD. Subjects were asked about the use of BZD in the precedi ng 2 weeks and were also asked for socioeconomic details. Results: A total of 152 (11.9%; 95% CI 10.1-13.7) subjects had taken psychotropic drags, wit h BZD being the most commonly reported (8%). The prevalence of MPD was 22.7 % (95% CI 20.4-25.0): males 17.9% and females 26.5%. An inverse relationshi p was seen between level of income, schooling and prevalence of MPD (P < 0. 001), but a positive relationship was found between income and BZD consumpt ion (P < 0.05). Conclusions: These data suggest that the inverse care law o perates in prescribing psychotropic medications for MPD.