Prospective patterns and correlates of quality of life among women in substance abuse treatment

Abstract

Background Quality of life (QOL) is increasingly recognized as central to the broad construct of recovery in substance abuse services. QOL measures can supplement more objective symptom measures, identify specific service needs and document changes in functioning that are associated with substance use patterns. To date however, QOL remains an under investigated area in the addictions field, especially in the United States. Methods This study examines patterns and predictors of QOL at 1 and 6 months post treatment intake among 240 women enrolled in substance abuse treatment in Cleveland, Ohio. The World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) measure was used to assess physical, psychological, social and environmental domains. Hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted to identify correlates of QOL at 6 months post treatment intake. Results All QOL domains across the follow up time points improved significantly. However, QOL scores across domains remained below those of healthy population norms. Trauma symptoms significantly predicted Physical and Psychological QOL. Among treatment process variables, alcohol use was the sole significant factor associated with QOL and only for Environmental QOL. Recovery support and friends support for abstinence were consistently associated with QOL across all four domains. Implications This study suggests the usefulness of the WHOQOL measure as an indicator of functioning in substance abusing populations. Findings underline the importance of helping women deal with trauma symptoms and develop support for recovery. Further research is needed on the longitudinal relationship between QOL and substance use patterns

Viability of the World Health Organization quality of life measure to assess changes in quality of life following treatment for alcohol use disorder

“…Unsurprisingly, there is considerable research utilizing QoL measures across adult populations among individuals with and without physical or mental illnesses (e.g., Chen, Wu, & Yao, 2006; Ohaeri et al, 2007; Trompenaars et al, 2005; Yao & Wu, 2005; Zubaran & Foresti, 2009). There have also been a few studies of QoL among individuals with AUD and other addictions (e.g., François et al, 2015; Luquiens et al, 2012; Tracy et al, 2012). …”

The relationship between recovery and health-related quality of life

“…HRQoL typically focus on the effects of a disease on an individual’s health and have been the focus of early research in the SUD field (Burgess et al, 2000; Tracy et al, 2012). In general, the extant literature suggests that “samples” who report having an SUD, also report poor HRQoL (e.g., De Maeyer, Vanderplasschen, & Broekaert, 2010; Karow et al, 2010; Morgan et al, 2003; Nosyk et al, 2011; Preau et al, 2007; Robinson, 2006).…”

Quality of Life Determinants in Patients of a Psychosocial Care Center for Alcohol and other Drug Users

“…However, the concept of quality of life involves subjective satisfaction of patients with their life, in general and in specific domains (Laudet, 2011;Laudet et al, 2009), which might be of practical importance, since recovery from substance dependence is considered a process of change (Tracy et al, 2012). In other words, understanding the determinants associated with high quality of life scores may guide and improve public policies (Carr, Gibson, & Robinson, 2001) and may also be used to tailor policies for the treatment of substance dependence (Maeyer et al, 2010).…”