Determinants of Health-Related Quality of Life of Opiate Users at Entry to Low-Threshold Methadone Programs

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to conduct an exploratory analysis of factors associated with poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among opiate users at entry to low-threshold methadone treatment. Methods: The SF-36 questionnaire was administered to 145 opiate users at enrollment into low-threshold methadone maintenance programs. ANOVA and correlational analyses were performed to investigate the determinants of poor physical and mental composite summary scales (PCS and MCS) of the SF-36 among opiate users. Stepwise regression methods were also employed to fit PCS and MCS multivariate models. Results: Age, employment status, chronic medical conditions, hospitalization, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and age at first injection episode were significantly associated with PCS. Mental health problems, sexual abuse, physical abuse, the use of sedatives, the use of cocaine, the number of days of cocaine use, sedative use and multiple substance use in the past month were significantly associated with MCS. The variances in the MCS and PCS were not readily explained by any one factor. Conclusion: The multiplicity of factors influencing HRQOL of opiate users suggests the need for a range of services within the context of a methadone program, addressing primary medical care needs as well as treatment for both mental health problems and abuse issues.

Predicting biopsychosocial outcomes for heroin users in primary care treatment: a prospective longitudinal cohort study

“…These comorbidities are known to have a negative effect on patients' functioning and perceived quality of life. [27][28][29] The results at follow-up show significant reductions in the prevalence of these disorders, and this highlights the association between opiate substitution treatment and reductions in psychological distress.…”

Health-Related Quality of Life in HIV-Infected Patients: The Role of Substance Use

“…Use of sedatives was associated with decreased mental HRQOL among opiate users enrolling a methadone maintenance program. 15 Overall, however, little has been published about effects of sedative abuse in HIV-infected populations, and this topic deserves further research.…”

“…11,12 In non-HIV-infected populations, decreased HRQOL is associated with opiate dependence, [13][14][15] and alcohol dependence. [16][17][18][19] However, previous studies of HRQOL in HIV-infected populations have considered only summary variables for drug use.…”

Substance Abuse Treatment Utilizing Medication Assisted Treatment as HIV Prevention

“…Alternatively, buprenorphine can be prescribed in a primary care health care setting similar to other illnesses to reduce the stigma/discrimination of drug dependence. Both medical paradigms need to address the reduced quality of life, physical and mental functioning, compared to the general population that is associated with drug abuse/dependence (Millson et al 2006). In addition, multiple comorbidities are associated with substance abuse and dependence that also contribute to the lower quality of life Table 2.…”