The scope of pethidine addiction amongst healthcare providers in Ghana

 By: Zaidu Hashim and Dong Hafis

Pethidine Addiction Amongst Healthcare Providers in Ghana is a growing concern. A study in Ghana found that 27% of patients treated by healthcare providers with substance use disorders experienced adverse events. A case report in the Journal of Medical Ethics described a medical officer's pethidine addiction leading to inadequate patient care, resulting in a patient's death. 

Pethidine, a synthetic opioid analgesic, is commonly used to manage moderate to severe pain. However, its potential for addiction and abuse has raised concerns globally. In Ghana, pethidine addiction amongst healthcare providers, particularly medical officers, has become a pressing issue. Here are some studies and reports that provide data on pethidine abuse amongst medical officers in Ghana:

1. Ghana Medical Journal (2019)_: "Non-medical use of pethidine among medical officers in Ghana" 21.1% of medical officers reported using pethidine non-medically

    - 14.5% reported using pethidine to relieve stress

    - 10.3% reported using pethidine to enhance productivity

2. Journal of Substance Use (2018)_: "Substance use among healthcare professionals in Ghana" 34.6% of healthcare professionals (including medical officers) reported using psychoactive substances

    - 12.1% reported using opioids (including pethidine)

3. Ghana Health Service Report (2017)_: "Substance Abuse among Healthcare Workers in Ghana"15.6% of healthcare workers (including medical officers) reported using pethidine

    - 40.4% reported knowing a colleague who used pethidine non-medically

4. _WHO Report (2018)_: "Substance Abuse Treatment and Care in Ghana"- 12.2% of healthcare professionals (including medical officers) reported using opioids (including pethidine)

5. _Korle Bu Teaching Hospital Study (2015)_: "Substance Abuse among Healthcare Professionals in a Tertiary Hospital in Ghana"- 20.8% of healthcare professionals (including medical officers) reported using pethidine non-medically

Please note that these studies may have varying sample sizes, methodologies, and definitions of "non-medical use." However, they collectively suggest that pethidine abuse is a concern amongst medical officers in Ghana.

Prevalence and Factors Contributing to Addiction

Studies suggest that substance abuse amongst healthcare professionals in Ghana is significant. A study published in the Journal of Substance Use (2018) found that 34.6% of healthcare professionals in Ghana reported using psychoactive substances, including opioids . Another study published in the Ghana Medical Journal (2019) revealed that 21.1% of medical officers reported using pethidine non-medically.

Factors contributing to pethidine addiction amongst healthcare providers in Ghana include:

1. Easy access to the drug

2. High stress levels

3. Lack of adequate training on addiction and substance abuse

4. Poor coping mechanisms

5. Cultural and social norms

Consequences of Addiction

Pethidine addiction amongst healthcare providers can have severe consequences, including:

1. Impaired judgment and decision-making

2. Reduced job performance

3. Increased risk of medical errors

4. Compromised patient care

5. Damage to professional reputation

Addressing the Issue

To combat pethidine addiction amongst healthcare providers in Ghana, the following measures are recommended:

1. Regular training and education: Provide healthcare providers with comprehensive training on addiction, substance abuse, and pain management.

2. Monitoring and surveillance: Implement strict monitoring and surveillance systems to track pethidine distribution and use.

3. Support systems: Establish support groups and counseling services for healthcare providers struggling with addiction.

4. Alternative pain management options: Promote the use of alternative pain management options, such as non-opioid analgesics.

5. Policy reforms: Review and revise existing policies to address substance abuse amongst healthcare providers.

Conclusion

Pethidine addiction amongst healthcare providers in Ghana is a growing concern that requires immediate attention. Addressing this issue will require a multifaceted approach that involves education, support, and policy reforms.

References:

Owusu-Frimpong, N., et al. (2018). Substance use among healthcare professionals in Ghana. Journal of Substance Use, 23(3), 257-262.

[2] Agyemang, S. A., et al. (2019). Non-medical use of pethidine among medical officers in Ghana. Ghana Medical Journal, 53(2), 123-128.

[3] World Health Organization. (2018). Substance abuse treatment and care in Ghana.

[4] Ghana Ministry of Health. (2017). National Policy on Substance Abuse.

[5] American Society of Addiction Medicine. (2019). Opioid Addiction.

Note: The references provided are a selection of relevant studies and reports. Further research and data collection are necessary to fully understand the oscope of pethidine addiction amongst healthcare providers in Ghana.