Characteristics of Methadone Maintenance Treatment Patients Prescribed Opioid Analgesics
BACKGROUND:
Opioid
analgesic use and disorders have dramatically increased among the general
American population and those receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT).
Most research among MMT patients focuses on opioid analgesics misuse or
disorders; few studies focus on MMT patients prescribed opioid analgesics. We
describe demographic, clinical, and substance use characteristics of MMT
patients prescribed opioid analgesics and compare them to MMT patients not
prescribed opioid analgesics.
METHODS:
We
conducted a cross-sectional secondary data analysis using screening interviews
from a parent study. From 2012-2015, we recruited adults from 3 MMT Bronx
clinics. Questionnaire data included: patterns of opioid analgesic use,
substance use, comorbid illnesses, and demographic characteristics. Our main
dependent variable was patients' report of currently taking prescribed opioid
analgesics. To compare characteristics between MMT patients prescribed and not
prescribed opioid analgesics, we conducted chi-squared tests, t-tests, and
Mann-Whitney U tests.
RESULTS:
Of 611
MMT patients, most reported chronic pain (62.0%), HCV infection (52.1%), and
currently using illicit substances (64.2%). Of the 29.8% who reported currently
taking prescribed opioid analgesics, most misused their opioid analgesics
(57.5%). Patients prescribed (versus not prescribed) opioid analgesics were
more likely to report HIV infection and chronic
pain.
CONCLUSION:
Among
MMT patients primarily in three Bronx clinics, nearly one-third reported taking
prescribed opioid analgesics. Compared to patients not prescribed opioid
analgesics, those prescribed opioid analgesics were more likely to report
chronic pain and HIV infection. However, between these patients, there was no
difference in illicit substance use. These findings highlight the complexity of
addressing chronic pain in MMT patients.
- 1a Albert Einstein College of Medicine , Bronx , NY , USA .
- 2c The City College of New York, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education , NY , NY , USA .
- 3b Montefiore Medical Center , Bronx , NY , USA .
- Subst Abus. 2016 Jan 5:0.
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