Abstract
BackgroundHealth Related Quality of Life (HRQL) of opiate users has been studied in treatment settings, where assistance for drug use was sought. In this study we ascertain factors related to HRQL of young opiate users recruited outside treatment facilities, considering both genders separately.MethodsCurrent opiate users (18-30 y) were recruited in outdoor settings in three Spanish cities (Barcelona, Madrid, Sevilla). Standardised laptop interviews included socio-demographic data, drug use patterns, health related issues, the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) and the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP).ResultsA total of 991 subjects (73% males), mean age = 25.7 years were interviewed. The mean global NHP score differed by gender (women: 41.2 (sd:23.8); men:34.1(sd:23.6);p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis was implemented separately by gender, variables independently related with global NHP score, both for males and females, were heroin and cocaine SDS scores. For women, only other drug related variables (alcohol intake and length of cocaine use) were independently associated with their HRQL. HIV+ males who suffered an opiate overdose or had psychiatric care in the last 12 months perceived their health as poorer, while those who had ever been in methadone treatment in the last 12 months perceived it as better. The model with both genders showed all factors for males plus quantity of alcohol and an interaction between gender and HIV status.ConclusionsHeroin users were found to be at a considerable risk of impaired HRQL, even in these young ages. A score approaching severity of dependence was the factor with the strongest relation with it.
Highlights
Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL) of opiate users has been studied in treatment settings, where assistance for drug use was sought
The inception cohort baseline questionnaire was administered through a laptop assisted interview in socio-sanitary premises and included, among other variables, socio-demographic data, drug use patterns, health problems data, severity of heroin and cocaine dependence measured through the Spanish version of the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) [29,30], and a generic health related quality of life questionnaire, the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) [31]
The proportion of those who had recently (12 months) experienced a non-fatal overdose (n = 80) was higher in Barcelona, among those more educated, squatters or homeless, unemployed, those who had been in hospital in the last 12 months, were anti-HCV positives, had injected in the last 12 months, or had not been in methadone treatment at any time in the last 12 months
Summary
Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL) of opiate users has been studied in treatment settings, where assistance for drug use was sought. In this study we ascertain factors related to HRQL of young opiate users recruited outside treatment facilities, considering both genders separately. Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL) has progressively been applied in the evaluation of health status of patients, including substance users[5,6]. Poor HRQL has been reported among heroin users starting treatment, being comparable to other chronic disease patients[7,8,9]. The German adaptation of the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile, a questionnaire designed for the mental health field, has been used in studies with drug users [13,21]. Few HRQL instruments specific to the drug dependence field are available[22]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
