SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) -- Most American parents tend to prefer opioids as an effective tool to relieve post-surgery pains for their children, although they have some concern about the risk of opioid addiction, according to a survey revealed Sunday.
The results of the nationwide survey commissioned by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) show that nearly two-thirds of American parents believe opioids are more effective as a pain killer for their children after surgery or a broken bone.
The poll, which surveyed more than 1,000 parents of children aged 13-24, said one-third of them had been prescribed opioids and more than half expressed concern that their child may be at risk for opioid addiction.
However, 83 percent of parents believe they are prepared to safely manage their children's opioid use if prescribed, said the survey.
"The survey results shed light on the country's conflicted relationship with and understanding of opioids," said ASA President Linda Mason.
"While most parents said they were concerned about side effects and risks such as addiction, improper or recreational use and overdose, they still thought opioids work best to manage pain," she added.
The survey underscored the need for improved awareness of the American parents on opioid safe storage and proper disposal, as well as other opioid alternatives for relieving pains.
More than half of people who got opioids from a friend or relative have misused prescribed opioids, which pinpointed why it is important to safely store or properly dispose of the drug, said the poll.
The survey said it is encouraging that most parents understand the importance of communication with their children in using prescribed opioid.
Ninety-one percent of them said they are confident their children know that prescribed and over-the-counter medications can be just as dangerous as illegal drugs, said the poll.
