ABSTRACT
This project evaluated the prevalence of opioid use in hospitalized patients of a general hospital in Iran. 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 X2. 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%]. Opioid use is pervasive in hospitalized patients at the general hospital; further research is indispensable in this regard