USAGE DES OPIOIDES AU MAROC: ANALYSE DES PROFILS ET COMPORTEMENTS DE 210 PATIENTS

Yassine Atbib*, Mariama Jalaoui, Hajar ZHAR, Omar El Hamdaoui, Yassir Bousliman

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The use of opioids represents a major public health issue due to their role in pain management and the risks associated with misuse, dependence, and adverse effects. Access to certain molecules, particularly codeine and tramadol, raises concerns regarding appropriate use and the frequency of self-medication. As a frontline healthcare professional, the community pharmacist plays a central role in ensuring safe dispensing, providing patient counseling, and preventing high-risk use. This study aims to analyze, through a survey conducted among patients, opioid consumption patterns and related practices, in order to identify key findings and areas for improvement. Methods: A descriptive survey was conducted among 210 opioid-using patients in the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region. The questionnaire explored sociodemographic profiles, patterns of opioid consumption, self-medication, and adverse effects. Results: The patient population was slightly predominantly male (52.9%) and mainly aged 18–30 years (29%). Codeine was the most commonly used opioid, with 45.2% of patients reporting daily consumption. Self-medication was frequent (32.4%), and more than half of the participants reported adverse effects (56.7%) as well as a perception of dependence (55.2%). Conclusion: The appropriate use of opioids remains a challenge, characterized by a high frequency of self-medication, suboptimal adherence, and underreporting of adverse effects. Community pharmacists play a pivotal role in securing the dispensing process and preventing misuse, highlighting the importance of continuous training and strengthened physician–pharmacist collaboration.

Keywords: Opioids; Self-medication; Misuse; Dependence.