Health-related quality of life among prescription opioid-dependent patients: Results from a multi-site study

Abstract

Background Although prescription opioid use disorder has recently increased sharply in the United States, relatively little is known about the general well-being of this population. Assessment of quality of life in patients with substance use disorders has been recommended to improve clinical care. Objectives Health-related quality of life was examined in prescription opioid-dependent patients at entry to a national multi-site clinical trial, to compare quality of life scores in the study sample to other populations; further, background variables associated with quality of life in the literature were examined. Methods Prescription opioid-dependent patients (N=653) were compared to general populations on the Medical Outcome Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) quality of life measure; and the association between patient background variables and quality of life was examined. Results Compared to a general population, the current sample of prescription opioid-dependent patients had worse physical (−1.7 points, p<.001) and mental quality of life (−12.3 points, p<.001) as measured by the SF-36, similar to other opioid-use disorder populations. Within our sample, women showed more impairment than men in mental quality of life (−4.3 points, p<.001); older patients scored worse on physical (−5.2 points, p<.001), but not mental, quality of life. Chronic pain was associated with poorer physical quality of life (−9.0 points, p<.001). Conclusions and scientific significance The growing focus on wellness underscores the importance of measuring quality of life in addition to substance use outcomes. Routine assessment of health-related quality of life can add an important dimension to overall evaluation of patients’ treatment response.

Chronic pain and opioid abuse: Factors associated with health‐related quality of life

“…Like other studies, our analysis confirmed the disease burden of these two conditions, as reflected by lower QOL in comparison to healthy populations and on par larger studies among other opioid-use disorder populations. 15,24 According to our multiple regression models, BPI Pain Interference ratings, and BDI ratings were the best predictors of SF-36 scores, among the variables considered. Although average BDI scores were low (<13 of a 63 total score), BDI ratings was associated with scores on the emotional well-being sub scale.…”

Health-Related Quality of Life in Male Patients under Treatment for Substance Use Disorders with and without Major Depressive Disorder: Influence in Clinical Course at One-Year Follow-Up

“…It also provides a self-perceived item measuring changes in general health over the last year (Health Change item). This instrument has provided significant data when evaluating HRQoL in patients with SUD [ 38 , 39 , 40 ], MDD [ 13 , 41 ], as well as with dual pathology [ 5 , 42 ]. It is an instrument that can be used as an indicator of the evolution of the patient with SUD and, in addition, it has been shown to be sensitive to the presence of the diagnosis of MDD, having even suggested that it may be useful as a screening instrument [ 26 , 43 ].…”

Health-related quality of life of long-term patients receiving opioid agonist therapy: a nested prospective cohort study in Norway

“…People with opioid use disorders suffer not only from a shorter life-span as compared to the general population, but also severe social marginalization and long-term impairments in most aspects of their lives [6]. Research consistently shows that people with opioid use disorders have inferior quality of life (QoL) compared to the general population [7,8]. This is partly explained by the extensive co-occurrence of substance use disorder and mental disorders, which both seem underdiagnosed and undertreated [9], in addition to high prevalence of somatic disorders such as chronic hepatitis C of almost 50% [10].…”