# Prevalence and factors associated with the use of benzodiazepines among teachers in Espírito Santo: a cross-sectional study

## TL;DR

This study found that 6.8% of teachers in Espírito Santo use benzodiazepines, with higher rates among those with mental health diagnoses and linked to anxiety and insomnia.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into benzodiazepine use among teachers in Brazil, identifying mental health and relationship status as key factors.

## Key findings

- Benzodiazepine use was 6.8% among teachers, rising to 21.1% among those with mental disorders.
- Severe anxiety and insomnia were linked to higher benzodiazepine use, while having a partner was associated with lower use.
- Benzodiazepine use among teachers was higher than in the general population.

## Abstract

This study analyzed the prevalence and associated factors of benzodiazepine use among teachers in municipalities of Espírito Santo, Brazil, in 2024.

A cross-sectional, quantitative study conducted with teachers from the state of Espírito Santo using self-administered questionnaires.

Among the 453 teachers surveyed, the prevalence of benzodiazepine use was 6.8% (n=31), increasing to 21.1% (n=26) among teachers with a previous diagnosis of mental disorders (n=123). Most benzodiazepines were used daily (57.6%; n=19), 42.5% (n=14) had been used for 2-5 years, and 39.4% (n=13) reported use without antidepressant treatment.

Severe anxiety symptoms and clinical insomnia were associated with an increased likelihood of benzodiazepine use, whereas having a partner was associated with reduced use. The prevalence of benzodiazepine use among teachers was higher than in the general population.

Analisar a prevalência e os fatores associados ao uso de benzodiazepínicos entre professores de municípios do Espírito Santo, Brasil, no ano de 2024.

Estudo transversal, quantitativo, realizado com professores do estado do Espírito Santo por meio de questionários autoaplicados.

Entre os 453 professores, a prevalência de uso de benzodiazepínicos foi de 6,8% (n=31) e de 21,1% (n=26) entre professores com diagnóstico prévio de transtornos mentais (n=123). A maioria dos benzodiazepínicos é utilizada diariamente (57,6%; n=19), 42,5% (n=14) deles têm sido utilizados entre dois e cinco anos, e 39,4% (n=13) são utilizados na ausência de antidepressivos.

Ter sintomas de ansiedade grave e insônia clínica aumenta as chances de uso de benzodiazepínicos, enquanto possuir companheiro(a) as reduz. O uso de benzodiazepínicos entre professores foi maior que entre a população em geral.