Background and Aims: Opioid analgesics represent essential therapeutic tools for pain management but are associated with a significant risk of addiction. In Senegal, the increasing prescription of opioids, particularly tramadol, has raised concerns about addiction risks among patients. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and prescribing practices of healthcare professionals in Dakar regarding the addiction risk associated with opioid analgesic prescription. Methods: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted over 45 days among healthcare professionals working in various health facilities in Dakar. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire addressing knowledge of opioid analgesics, awareness of addiction risks, prescribing practices, and attitudes toward patients with signs of addiction. Results: A total of 164 healthcare professionals participated, including 75% physicians, 13% dentists, 7% nurses, and 4% midwives. While 85% acknowledged the addiction risk associated with opioid prescription, significant gaps were observed in risk assessment practices. Only 45% routinely searched for addiction history before prescribing, 31% inquired about other substance abuse, and 30% investigated psychiatric history. Weak opioids (tramadol: 91%, codeine: 93%) were more widely recognized than strong opioids. Prescription frequency was high, with 26% prescribing opioids to more than 5 out of 10 pain patients. Pain assessment tools were underutilized, with 13% never using evaluation scales. Conclusions: Healthcare professionals in Dakar demonstrate theoretical awareness of opioid addiction risks but exhibit important deficiencies in implementing preventive measures during prescription. These findings highlight the urgent need for continuing education programs, development of clinical practice guidelines, and enhanced monitoring systems to promote safer opioid prescribing practices and prevent iatrogenic addiction.
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