Quality of Life, Perceived Social Support, and Treatment Adherence Among Methadone Maintenance Program Users: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study.

Background/

Objectives

The consumption of opioids is a public health problem that significantly affects quality of life. In Spain, 7585 people are enrolled in the Methadone Maintenance Programme (MMP), which is an effective intervention with a low adherence rate. In this study, factors associated with the quality of life of MMP users, especially perceived social support and treatment adherence, were analysed. We hypothesised that low levels of adherence and social support would be associated with poorer quality of life.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional observational study with an analytical approach. Quality of life (WHOQoL-BREF), perceived social support (DUKE-UNC-11), and treatment adherence (MMAS-8) among MMP users were studied, and data on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected through ad hoc questionnaires and a review of electronic medical records. Linear and logistic regression models were used.

Results

A total of 70 individuals were included in this study. The mean age was 56.9 years, and 83% of the participants were male. The perceived quality of life was low in the four domains evaluated (range of 47.4-48.2). A total of 38.57% of the participants had low perceived social support. Treatment adherence was low or moderate in 77.1% of the participants. Greater perceived social support was associated with better quality of life in all domains (p < 0.05). Quality of social life was negatively associated with the use of nonbenzodiazepine neuroleptics and HIV status. Treatment adherence was lower in insulin therapy users.

Conclusions

Social support is a key determinant of the quality of life of MMP users. Health policies should promote social support networks as a strategy to improve the well-being of this population.