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Opioid Use Disorder in Brazil: Emerging Patterns, Critical Gaps, and Implications for Public Health Policy - A
Mariana Campello de Oliveira1, Henrique Alves Bezerra2, Cláudia Carneiro de Araújo Palmeira1
1Instituto Perdizes, Departamento de Álcool e Drogas, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Departamento de Psiquiatria, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Brazil
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Substance Use Disorders
Background:
- Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is a significant global health issue.
- OUD epidemiology and clinical characteristics in Brazil require further investigation.
- This review synthesizes existing evidence on OUD within Brazil.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and characterize Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) in Brazil.
- To identify trends in illicit versus prescription opioid misuse.
- To highlight research gaps, particularly regarding treatment effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search across major databases (PubMed, BVS/LILACS, Scopus, Web of Science).
- Inclusion of studies conducted in Brazil focusing on individuals with OUD.
- Assessment of methodological quality using standardized tools.
Main Results:
- Twelve studies met inclusion criteria; 58% were high quality.
- Low prevalence of illicit opioid use (<0.5%) was observed.
- Non-medical use of prescription opioids was more common, with healthcare professionals at higher risk. No RCTs were identified.
Conclusions:
- Brazil presents a unique opioid landscape with low illicit use but significant prescription opioid misuse.
- A critical evidence gap exists due to the absence of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) on treatment effectiveness.
- Further research is essential to evaluate Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) within Brazil's public health system (SUS).
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