Sensitivity of Self-reported Opium Use in Cancer Patients: Implications for Conducting Epidemiological Studies

Vahideh  Mohseni; Maryam  Hadji; Mina  Khaki; Omid  Nabavian; Kazem  Zendehdel; Hamideh  Rashidian

doi:10.18502/bccr.v16i3.19694

Vahideh Mohseni Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Maryam Hadji Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mina Khaki Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Omid Nabavian Department of Anesthesiology, Imam Hospital Complex, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Kazem Zendehdel Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Hamideh Rashidian Cancer Research Center, Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/bccr.v16i3.19694

Keywords: Cancer; Opium; Self-reported; Sensitivity

Abstract

Background: Underreporting bias related to opium use is a significant methodological issue that can threaten the results of epidemiologic studies, particularly when opium use is the exposure of interest. In our current study, we aimed to measure the sensitivity of self-reported opium use among cancer patients and identify the contributing factors.

Method: In a cross-sectional study, we examined the sensitivity of self-reported opium use among cancer cases. In this study, we avoided using urine tests as the gold standard to prevent false-positive results, given that most cancer patients use opioids to alleviate their pain. Instead, we relied on their reports of use to anesthesiologists as the gold standard and compared it with their reports to interviewers to calculate sensitivity.

Results: The sensitivity of self-reported opium use among cancer patients was approximately 63.33% (95% CI: 43.86% – 80.07%). Interestingly, this sensitivity was significantly higher among cigarette users, 88.24% (95% CI: 63.56% – 98.54%) compared to non-users, 30.77% (95% CI: 9.09% – 61.43%). Additionally, the sensitivity of self-reported opium use was higher among alcohol users and participants with low socioeconomic status compared to their counterparts, although these differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: The observed sensitivity of self-reported opium use among cancer patients underscores the importance of meticulous and comprehensive approaches for collecting and interpreting self-reported substance use data. Researchers and policymakers should consider contributing factors to the sensitivity of self-reported opium use