Chronic pain among primary fentanyl users: The concept of self-medication

Original research
par
Kim, Jane J. et al

Date de publication

2024

Géographie

Canada

Langue de la ressource

English

Texte disponible en version intégrale

Oui

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Oui

Évalué par des pairs

Yes

L’objectif

This study assesses the prevalence and correlates of chronic pain among primary fentanyl users.

Constatations/points à retenir

The findings of this study demonstrate a significant association between self-medication and chronic pain among primary fentanyl users in British Columbia. For these individuals, inadequate pain relief may drive continued opioid use, which in turn may increase risks of treatment discontinuation and overdose. Appropriate pain management strategies are crucial to avoid opioid misuse and decrease the large societal burden caused by chronic pain.

La conception ou méthodologie de recherche

A cross-sectional and structured survey was conducted with 200 adults who reported fentanyl as their drug of choice from a Vancouver acute care hospital. Presence and levels of chronic pain were determined through self-report.

Mots clés

Advocacy
About PWUD
Barriers and enablers
Chronic pain
Illegal drugs
Opioids
Substitution/OAT