Physicians knowledge and attitude of opioid availability, accessibility and use in pain management in Bangladesh

Authors

  • F Khan Centre for Palliative Care, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka
  • N Ahmad Centre for Palliative Care, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka
  • N Iqbal National Institute of Population Research and Training (NIPORT), Dhaka
  • AM Kamal Department of Narcotics Control, Dhaka

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v40i1.20324

Abstract

This survey was conducted on 1000 physicians with pain management responsibilities practicing in 47 districts in Bangladesh. The response rate was 58.3%. The physicians had a mean of 21 years in practice. It was notable that 66% of the physicians had seen cancer patients in the last 12 months and 63% had seen patients with advanced stage cancer where opioids are considered as the mainstay of treatment. It was discouraging that 85% of the physicians preferred to prescribe pethidine, when patients needed opioids for severe pain. 53% of the physicians were not aware of the Bangladesh Narcotics law, 1990. 89% of the physicians would restrict opioid dosage in pain management to prevent drug tolerance or addiction. Oncology physicians displayed significantly higher knowledge scores. The results demonstrated physicians poor knowledge, attitude and perceived barriers regarding opioids. Effective education strategies need to be addressed using the study result.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v40i1.20324

Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2014; 40: 18-24

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Published

2014-09-04

How to Cite

Khan, F., Ahmad, N., Iqbal, N., & Kamal, A. (2014). Physicians knowledge and attitude of opioid availability, accessibility and use in pain management in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Medical Research Council Bulletin, 40(1), 18–24. https://doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v40i1.20324

Issue

Vol. 40 No. 1 (2014)

Section

Research Papers

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