Abstract

Objectives: This project evaluated the prevalence of opioid use in hospitalized patients of a general hospital in Iran.

Method: In this cross-sectional study, 494 patients hospitalized at 12 wards of Rasoul-e-Akram Hospital were evaluated. They were selected through convenient sampling method. The pediatric, emergency, ICU, and CCU wards were excluded from this study. The instrument for collection of data was a researcher-constructed questionnaire. Data were analyzed via descriptive- statistical methods and c².

Findings: The lifetime prevalence of opium use was 11.7% (10.9% male 0.8% female)  and the pre- valence of current opium use was 7.1%. The highest frequency of opioid use was observed in the patients in neurosurgery ward (23.8%), in the age group of 30 to 44 years old range (13.7%), and with high school education (14.8%). 12.1% married, 10.8% single, and 7.7% divorced patients reported to have used opioid. The most common pattern of opioid use was daily (48.3%) and the most common method of use was through inhalation (63. 8%).

Results: Opioid use is pervasive in hospitalized patients at the general hospital further research is indispensable in this regard.