Assessment of Non- Medical Use of Tramadol among University Students

Abstract

Tramadol classified as a weak opioid with an analgesic effect similar to that of codeine and indicated for the treatment of moderate and sever pains The purpose of this study was to assess of non-medical use of tramadol among university students. Research design: A descriptive research design was utilized in this study. Setting: This study was conducted at 50% of Faculties of Benha University it included 7 Faculties. The sample: stratified random sample was used in this study which included 10% of students in the first year academic year (2016-2017) number of students who shared in the study was 315 male students. Two instruments were used I): A structured interviewing questionnaire and included two parts. part 1): included (a): socio-demographic characteristics of students and their family characteristics, (b): psychological distress of the students. (c): Physical health of students part2): to assess knowledge of students about tramadol. II): Likert scales consist of 3 level scales which measured attitude of students toward non-medical use of tramadol. Results: Nearly more than three quarters of students (94.3%) didn't have tramadol trial. More than one third of students (33.2%) had good knowledge toward tramadol. More than three quarters of students (80.9%) had positive attitude toward tramadol. Conclusion: There were statistically significant relations between student's family characteristics and tramadol trial. While there was highly statistical significant relations between health status and tramadol trial. there was a positive association among student's total knowledge and total attitude with their characteristics. Recommendations: health education programs for all students in the university regarding non-medical use of tramadol

Prevalence and health consequences of nonmedical use of tramadol in Africa: A systematic scoping review

“…The third category includes patients with tramadol dependence or opioid use disorders attributed to tramadol [ 56 – 65 ], patients with unintentional intoxication [ 66 ], patients with substance use disorders or drug addiction [ 67 , 68 ], patients admitted to Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital [ 69 ], patients with seizures or psychotic episodes [ 70 , 71 ], treatment-seeking men [ 72 ] or trauma victims [ 73 ], adults attending family medicine center [ 74 ], pharmacy/dispensary customers [ 75 ], patients undergoing surgery [ 76 ] or admitted for acute myocardial infarction [ 77 ], women admitted to addiction treatment center [ 78 ], patients attending psychiatric clinic [ 79 – 82 ], and individuals presenting to poison control center for tramadol [ 83 ]. The fourth category pertains to students in both public and private schools in rural and urban areas, including secondary school students aged 13–18, upper secondary school students, and graduate or undergraduate university students [ 10 , 72 , 84 – 105 ]. The final group includes non-traditional populations, such as indigenous communities [ 17 ], teenagers attending summer camps [ 106 ], internally displaced [ 107 ] and various people [ 11 , 18 , 108 – 110 ].…”

“…Our scoping review identified the risk factors associated with the NMU of tramadol, which was distilled into four key categories: 1) age and residence: Tramadol nonmedical users tend to be younger and live in urban areas [ 47 , 79 , 86 , 87 , 111 ]; 2) socioeconomic factors such as irregular job status, a large family size, lower parental education levels, unmarried status, and insufficient monthly income strongly correlate with the NMU of tramadol [ 42 , 46 , 53 , 84 , 86 ]. Lack of parental control, familial tension, and having a friend or family member who uses drugs are additional risk factors [ 46 , 49 ]; 3) substance use and a history of abuse increase the risk of NMU of tramadol.…”

“…Investigations into the NMU of tramadol among university students have also yielded varied prevalence rates across distinct study populations and regions. A study conducted in Egypt reported a prevalence rate of 5.7% within a sample of 283 university students [ 84 ]. This figure contrasts notably with a more extensive study in Egypt, which found a prevalence of 12.3% among 1173 university students [ 10 ].…”