Opioid-prescribing Practices among Otolaryngology Physicians in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Understanding opioid prescription patterns among otolaryngologists is crucial due to the complexity of procedures and associated pain profiles. This study aims to identify opioid prescription patterns among otolaryngologists in Saudi Arabia and the factors that influence these practices. Materials and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in secondary and tertiary centers in Saudi Arabia from July 2022 to August 2023. Otolaryngologists, including consultants, fellows, and residents, were invited to participate. The eligibility criteria included actively practicing otolaryngologists in Saudi Arabia, regardless of their position or nationality. Otolaryngologists not involved in clinical practice within Saudi Arabia during the study period were excluded. Simple random sampling was employed to select the participants. Results: In this study, 214 otolaryngologists participated. The majority were in the age group of 25–34 years (61.2%) and male (71.5%). Resident otolaryngologists represented 48.6% of the participants. Paracetamol was the most commonly prescribed postoperative pain medication (87.9%), whereas high opioid prescriptions were limited (4.7%), with tramadol being the most prescribed opioid (48.1%). Head-and-neck cancer resection surgeries accounted for the highest opioid prescription rate (65.4%). Otolaryngologists in academic settings had significantly higher rates of prescribing high opioid prescriptions compared to those in the community (P = 0.025). Other sociodemographic characteristics and prescribing behaviors showed no significant associations with opioid prescription patterns (P > 0.05). Conclusion: This study revealed limited high opioid prescriptions among otolaryngologists in Saudi Arabia, with higher rates in academic settings.