Abstract
ObjectiveTo test psychometrics of the Short Form 36 Health Survey version 2 (SF-36v2) and the Quality of Life Scale for Drug Addicts (QOL-DAv2.0) in Chinese mainland patients with methadone maintenance treatment (MMT).MethodsA total of 1,212 patients were recruited from two MMT clinics in Xi’an, China. Reliability was estimated with Cronbach’s α and intra-class correlation (ICC). Convergent and discriminant validity was assessed using multitrait-multimethod correlation matrix. Sensitivity was measured with ANOVA and relative efficiency. Responsiveness was evaluated by pre-post paired-samples t-test and standardized response mean based on the patients’ health status changes following 6-month period.ResultsCronbach’s α of the SF-36v2 physical and mental summary components were 0.80 and 0.86 (eight scales range 0.73–0.92) and the QOL-DAv2.0 was 0.96 (four scales range: 0.80–0.93). ICC of the SF-36v2 two components were 0.86 and 0.85 (eight scales range: 0.72–0.87) and the QOL-DAv2.0 was 0.94 (four scales range: 0.88–0.92). Convergent validity was lower between the two instruments (γ <0.70) while discriminant validity was acceptable within each instrument. Sensitivity was satisfied in self-evaluated health status (both instruments) and average daily methadone dose (SF-36v2 physical functioning and vitality scales; QOL-DAv2.0 except psychology scale). Responsiveness was acceptable in the improved health status change (SF-36v2 except vitality scale; QOL-DAv2.0 except psychology and symptoms scales) and deteriorated health status change (SF-36v2 except vitality, social functioning and mental health scales; QOL-DAv2.0 except society scale).ConclusionsThe SF-36v2 and the QOL-DAv2.0 are valid tools and can be used independently or complementary according to different emphases of health-related quality of life evaluation in patients with MMT.
Highlights
Drug abuse is a common problem over the past three decades in China [1]
A total of 1,212 patients were recruited at baseline, with 851 (70.2%) in the Minle maintenance treatment (MMT) clinic and 361 (29.8%) in the Xinan MMT clinic
One hundred patients were randomly selected using a randomization code generated by computer software in the retest survey [35] and 1,010 patients completed the 6-month follow-up
Summary
Drug abuse is a common problem over the past three decades in China [1]. Official statistics show that the number of registered drug users increased from 70,000 in 1990 [2] to 2.22 million at the end of May, 2013 [3]. Opioid dependence is a chronic maladaptive pattern of heroin or other opioid use, which often associated with co-morbid psychiatric disorders, and elevated risk of infection and transmission of blood-borne diseases (e.g., HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B or C), premature death and drug related crime [5]. It poses adverse effects for individuals and society and has become a major public health and social problem. International evidence-based practices have proved that MMT is effective to prevent transmission of blood-borne diseases, to reduce illegal drug use and high-risk behaviors, to avoid criminal involvement and to enhance social productivity [10]. Limited consideration is given to person-centered outcomes such as health-related quality of life (HRQoL) [11]
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
