A Cross-Sectional Study of Prescribed Sleep Medication Use and Its Clinical and Demographic Factors Among Young People Receiving Mental Health Crisis Interventions in Sydney, Australia.

BACKGROUND: Clinical and demographic factors influencing prescribed sleep medication use in children and young people (CYP) have been studied inadequately. We aimed to examine the prevalence of prescribed sleep medication use among CYP experiencing mental health crises and its associations with clinical and demographic factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electronic medical records of CYP (n = 201) attending the Macarthur Safeguards Acute Mental Health Crisis Service (referred to as the Safeguards Service) in Sydney, Australia, were reviewed. Descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals, examining the associations between prescribed sleep medication use and clinical and demographic factors. RESULTS: The prevalence of prescribed sleep medication use (e.g., melatonin, benzodiazepines) among CYP was 20.9%. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that CYP's length of stay with the Safeguards Service was positively associated with increased prescribed sleep medication use (AOR = 3.61, 95% CI: 1.19-10.94, p = 0.023). CYP who were diagnosed with trauma-related psychiatric conditions tended to use more prescribed sleep medication use (AOR = 2.81, 95% CI: 1.09-7.19, p < 0.032). Moreover, multiple medication prescriptions (polypharmacy) were strongly associated with increased prescription of SM (AOR = 11.36, 95% CI: 4.46-28.95, p < 0.000). CONCLUSION: Prescribed sleep medication use is significant in CYP experiencing mental health crises. This requires careful consideration due to potential risks, drug interactions, and limited evidence of long-term benefits. There needs to be a focus on addressing the underlying causes of sleep difficulties and exploring adjunct non-pharmacological interventions, especially for those with trauma-related psychiatric conditions, those who tend to have a longer length of stay and are prescribed multiple medications, including for sleep.