Perceptions of Physicians Regarding Opioid Prescription for Low Back Pain Treatment: A Qualitative Study.

• Grant number: 24/01133-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2024
• End date: October 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Crystian Bitencourt Soares de Oliveira
• Grantee: Letícia Donaire de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação. Universidade do Oeste Paulista (UNOESTE). Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: In the global context, non-specific low back pain represents the main cause of disability, affecting countless people throughout their lives. With an approximate prevalence of 11.9% worldwide, this condition imposes significant costs on public health, mainly with the inadequate prescription of opioids to treat nonspecific low back pain. For many years, doctors have prescribed opioids as part of treatment for acute and chronic pain, although there is disagreement regarding their effectiveness and concerns about dependence, tolerance, and adverse effects. It is essential to understand the perceptions and motivations of Brazilian doctors regarding the prescription of opioids in this context, especially in a country where research on this topic is still scarce. The geographic and sociocultural reality of the country can significantly influence doctors' decision-making.Objective: To investigate the opinions and perceptions of physicians regarding the prescription of opioids for the treatment of low back pain.Method: Doctors who care for people with low back pain in the city of Presidente Prudente, SP, will participate in this study. Sociodemographic data and professional aspects will be collected from all participants (e.g. years of experience, specialty). The interviews will be carried out in person using an interview guide investigating opinions and perceptions regarding the prescription of opioids for treatment, the reasons why they are prescribed and how often they are prescribed. The interview script, including questions pertinent to doctors, was prepared based on the literature in order to collect information to answer the objective of the study. Interview data will be recorded and later transcribed directly into Microsoft Word. The information collected will be coded into fragments and grouped into themes using thematic analysis methods.Keywords: low back pain; perception; opioids;