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Opioid abuse risk among student pharmacists
Jena J Patel1, Lucio R Volino2, Leon E Cosler3
1Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7169-8520.
A study found that most student pharmacists have a low risk of opioid abuse. However, males showed a higher risk for moderate to high opioid abuse potential, indicating a need for targeted education and prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Pharmacy Education
- Public Health and Addiction Research
Background:
- Opioid abuse poses a significant public health concern.
- Assessing risk factors for opioid abuse among future healthcare professionals is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prevalence of opioid abuse risk among student pharmacists in the northeastern United States.
- To utilize the Opioid Risk Tool (ORT) for risk stratification in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, anonymous survey was administered to 812 student pharmacists across three northeast pharmacy schools.
- Data were collected using the Opioid Risk Tool (ORT) and analyzed electronically.
Main Results:
- The majority of student pharmacists (71.6%) were classified as low risk for opioid abuse.
- 16.9% were moderate risk and 11.6% were high risk.
- Male students demonstrated a statistically significant higher proportion of moderate or high-risk classification compared to females.
Conclusions:
- While most student pharmacists present a low opioid abuse risk, a notable percentage requires attention.
- Findings suggest a need for enhanced opioid risk awareness and abuse prevention education for student pharmacists.
- This study serves as a call to action for academic institutions and practitioners to address baseline opioid abuse risk.
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