The pattern and influencing factors of opioid-prescribing behavior among emergency physicians in the qassim region: a cross-sectional study
Abstract
Background: In recent decades, opioid misuse has become a major global public health concern, with significant contributions to morbidity and mortality. Emergency departments (EDs) are frequent sites of opioid initiation, yet prescribing practices vary widely among physicians. Previous research in the Western region of Saudi Arabia demonstrated variability in prescribing influenced by physician demographics and experience. However, no prior study has assessed these patterns in the Qassim region.
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the pattern and influencing factors of opioid-prescribing behavior among emergency physicians in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2025 among emergency physicians in Qassim hospitals. A self-administered 22-item questionnaire assessed demographic and professional characteristics along with determinants of opioid-prescribing behavior using a five-point Likert scale. An overall agreement score was calculated. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post-hoc analysis were performed using SPSS v26, with p<0.05 considered significant.
Results: A total of 104 physicians completed the survey. The most highly rated determinants of prescribing were the patient's apparent distress (4.4±0.8), medications already administered (4.3±0.8), reported pain score (4.0±0.9), vital signs/physical exam findings (4.0±1.1), and diagnosis thought to be the cause of pain (4.0±0.9). The least…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause.
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