Uso y dependencia de fármacos opioides en población española con dolor crónico: prevalencia y diferencias de género / Use and dependence on opioid drugs in the Spanish population with chronic pain: prevalence and differences according to sex

Objetivos. Analizar la prevalencia del uso y la dependencia a fármacos opioides en población española con dolor crónico y evaluar diferencias de género. Pacientes y métodos. En 229 usuarios de fármacos opioides se evaluaron variables sociodemográficas, características del tratamiento con opioides y uso de otras sustancias. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo y bivariado. Resultados. El 46% cumplía criterios de dependencia de fármacos opioides (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition [DSM-IV-TR]). El consumo de alcohol y cannabis fue mayor en hombres. Las tasas de dependencia en el uso de fármacos opioides fueron significativamente superiores en los tratamientos prolongados. Conclusiones. La planificación de tratamientos con opioides y las estrategias de prevención de uso inadecuado deben ser independientes del género. Son necesarios más estudios que profundicen en las variables médicas y psicológicas relacionadas con el uso y la dependencia de opioides (AU)

Objectives. To analyse the prevalence in the use and dependence on opioid drugs in the Spanish population with chronic pain and evaluate the differences according to sex. Patients and methods. The demographic variables, opioid treatment characteristics and use of other substances were assessed in 229 users of opioid drugs. A descriptive bivariate analysis of the data was performed. Results. Forty-six percent of the patients met the criteria of dependence on opioid drugs (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition [DSM-IV-TR]). Alcohol and cannabis consumption was greater in the men. The rates of dependence on the use of opioid drugs were significantly higher in the extended treatments. Conclusions. Planning for treatments with opioids and strategies for preventing inappropriate use should not depend on the patient's sex. We need further studies on the medical and psychological variables related to the use of and dependence on opioids (AU)

Use and dependence on opioid drugs in the Spanish population with chronic pain: Prevalence and differences according to sex. / Uso y dependencia de fármacos opioides en población española con dolor crónico: prevalencia y diferencias de género.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse the prevalence in the use and dependence on opioid drugs in the Spanish population with chronic pain and evaluate the differences according to sex. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The demographic variables, opioid treatment characteristics and use of other substances were assessed in 229 users of opioid drugs. A descriptive bivariate analysis of the data was performed. RESULTS: Forty-six percent of the patients met the criteria of dependence on opioid drugs (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition [DSM-IV-TR]). Alcohol and cannabis consumption was greater in the men. The rates of dependence on the use of opioid drugs were significantly higher in the extended treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Planning for treatments with opioids and strategies for preventing inappropriate use should not depend on the patient's sex. We need further studies on the medical and psychological variables related to the use of and dependence on opioids.