A systematic review found wide regional variation in benzodiazepine use across aged-care studies rather than one universal exposure rate.
What was pooled
The review identified 89 studies of central nervous system medicines in aged care. Pooled benzodiazepine estimates ranged from 18.9% in North America to 44.8% in Europe. These figures summarize different populations and studies; they are not the result of a single harmonized international survey.
What prevalence can and cannot answer
Regional differences may reflect resident characteristics, prescribing practices, study periods, definitions, and measurement methods. A higher estimate does not by itself show worse care or a higher rate of medication-caused injury. The authors frame prescribing criteria as support for judgment and safety, rather than an automatic prohibition. For a resident-level assessment, the important questions remain why treatment was prescribed, whether it was administered, for how long, and with what documented effects. This review describes exposure patterns and cannot assign causation in an individual fall, confusion episode, or death.
Source paper
Original analysis of the supplied journal article, identified as PMC6780105.
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