Change in health‐related quality of life of opiate users in low‐threshold methadone programs

Abstract

Aim: To assess changes in the health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) among opiate users in the first 6 months upon entering a low‐threshold methadone treatment program. Changes were evaluated from the perspectives of both statistical and clinical significance.Design: A prospective cohort study of low‐threshold methadone participants who had completed interviews at baseline and 6 months post enrollment.Participants: 183 opiate users who started low‐threshold methadone treatment between December 2000 and January 2004.Measurements: Data on HRQOL were collected by a trained interviewer using the SF‐36 instrument to determine baseline and 6 months post treatment scale scores.Findings: Statistically significant improvements were found in the study group for seven out of ten SF‐36 scales: role physical, bodily pain, vitality, social functioning, role emotional, mental health and the mental health component summary scale. At an individual patient level, clinically significant improvements were most commonly observed with the mental health scale, the vitality scale and the mental health component summary scales.Conclusions: Enrolment in low‐threshold methadone treatment programs is associated with improved HRQOL, particularly in the mental health domains of the SF‐36 during the first 6 months of treatment. Further follow‐up of this cohort will allow us to determine if a levelling or reversal in HRQOL occurs, permitting an evaluation of the potential long‐terms benefits of low‐threshold methadone programs.