Effects of Workplace Variables on Workers Intentions to Misuse Prescription Opioids

Pain from work-related injuries is often managed with prescription opioids, sometimes leading to opioid misuse, addiction, overdose, and mortality. Preventing opioid misuse requires understanding the multiple levels of influence on intentions to misuse. This study presents a preliminary conceptual. ObjectiveWorkers in industries with high rates of opioid dispensing as well as those with high rates of non-fatal work-related injuries are at greater risk for opioid misuse, which can lead to addiction, overdose, or death.MethodsUsing secondary cross-sectional data collected from 856 healthcare workers, this pilot study examines a conceptual model for workers' intentions to seek out prescription opioids and intentions to use opioids at higher doses over longer periods.ResultsResults showed significant protective effects of beliefs, injunctive and subjective norms, and behavioral control on intentions to seek out opioids. On intentions to use higher doses over a longer time, knowledge, beliefs, behavioral control, patient-provider communication, workplace safety, and workplace autonomy had significant protective effects.ConclusionsFindings from this study could be used to inform future multilevel interventions to prevent opioid misuse among employee populations.