Abstract
The aim of this project is to analyze the consumption and reasons for the use of sedative and hypnotic drugs (ATC: N05B and N05C) (SHD) in Yemen (YEM) and to compare this with the consumption of SHD in the Czech Republic (CZ) and in YEM, in the years 2000-2005. In 2005 the consumption of SHD in YEM and in CZ was 0.20 and 6.9 USD/1000 citizens/day, respectively.
The consumption of SHD in YEM and in CZ increased after 2000 by 637% and 85%, respectively. A pilot questionnaire tested the factors influencing the consumption of SHD in YEM. 72% of respondents were male; 48% had obtained SHD the first time without a prescription; 90% had engaged in the long term use of SHD; 43% did not know the risks of SHD and the majority of users are most likely young people.
The increasing consumption of SHD may be caused by the frequent prescribing of drugs for off-label use, obtaining SHD in the pharmacy without prescription and the common chewing of qat and the lack of warnings about long term risks.