Determinants of change in the intention to use benzodiazepines

Objective: To examine attitudes and beliefs associated with changes in the intention to use benzodiazepines during the six-month period after first be nzodiazepine use. Design: Population-based 6-month follow-up with 3 measurement points (basel ine, 2 weeks after inclusion, 6 months after inclusion). Setting: Starting or initial benzodiazepine users were included during a pe riod of 4 months from November 1994 in the only pharmacy of a Dutch communi ty of 13,500 people. Measures: Variables proposed by the Model of Planned Behaviour and the Heal th Belief Model. Drug exposure data from automated pharmacy records. Results: At baseline, the intention to use benzodiazepines was primarily pr edicted by the perceived norm of the general practitioner regarding benzodi azepine use, and by the participants' own attitudes. After fourteen days, t he determinants of change in the intention to use benzodiazepines were the initially perceived norm of the general practitioner and the change in the severity of participants' illnesses. After six months, the change in the se verity of the illness and the perceived health benefits of benzodiazepines at the time of inclusion were the main determinants of the change in the in tention to use benzodiazepines between the second and third measurement poi nt. The intention to use benzodiazepines showed a decrease during follow-up . The three intention measures were significant predictors of actual benzod iazepine use during the year following baseline assessment. Conclusion: The study sheds light on interesting determinants of decrease o r increase in the intention to use during the six-month period after first benzodiazepine use.