Prevalence and risk factors for substance abuse and dependence among anaesthetists: a national survey

Objective:- Addiction behaviours in the anaesthetist population have been recognized as a significant health-related issue and its scope is a matter of concern. Methods. - A national survey conducted among French anaesthetists consisted of a questionnaire designed to elicit information related to demographics, and work conditions, as well as substance consumption status. The study investigated the following: tobacco, alcohol, tranquillizers-hypnotics, and other agents such as cannabis, cocaine, opiates and anaesthetic agents. Respondents were classified in. two categories: (no use and use)-(abuse and dependence). An univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to determine risk factors associated with drug abuse and dependence. Results. - 3,476 physicians responded to the questionnaire (38.0% response rate); 22.7% were daily tobacco smokers; 10.9% were abuser or dependent to one or more substances other than tobacco i.e. alcohol (59.0%), tranquillizers and hypnotics (41.0%), cannabis (6.3%), opiates (5.5%), and stimulants (1.9%). Steep disturbances and negative perception of work environment were more frequently reported among addicted anaesthetists. Conclusion. - In French anaesthetists, addiction is mainly related to alcohol consumption but includes a broad spectrum of substances. Addicted subjects report issues around work environment that may have contributed to the development of their pathology. (c) 2005 Elsevier SAS. Tous droits reserves.