Gender differences in demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with opioid use disorder entering a comparative effectiveness medication trial.

Abstract

We investigated gender differences in individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) receiving inpatient services and entering a randomized controlled trial comparing extended-release naltrexone to buprenorphine. Participants (N = 570) provided demographic, substance use, and psychiatric information. Women were significantly younger, more likely to identify as bisexual, live with a sexual partner, be financially dependent, and less likely employed. Women reported significantly greater psychiatric comorbidity and risk behaviors, shorter duration but similar age of onset of opioid use. Findings underscore economic, psychiatric, and infection vulnerability among women with OUD. Interventions targeting these disparities should be explored, as women may face complicated treatment initiation, retention, and recovery. (Am J Addict 2018;27:465-470).