Abstract
Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) can alleviate opioid dependence. However, MMT possibly increases the risk of motor vehicle collisions. The current study investigated preliminary estimation of motor vehicle collision incidence rates. Furthermore, in this population-based retrospective cohort study with frequency-matched controls, opiate adults receiving MMT (cases) and those not receiving MMT (controls) were identified at a 1:2 ratio by linking data from several nationwide administrative registry databases. From 2009 to 2016, the crude incidence rate of motor vehicle collisions was the lowest in the general adult population, followed by that in opiate adults, and it was the highest in adults receiving MMT. The incidence rates of motor vehicle collisions were significantly higher in opiate users receiving MMT than in those not receiving MMT. Kaplan-Meier curves of the incidence of motor vehicle collisions differed significantly between groups, with a significant increased risk during the first 90 days of follow-up. In conclusion, drivers receiving MMT have higher motor vehicle collision risk than those not receiving MMT in opiate users, and it is worthy of noticing road safety in such drivers, particularly during the first 90 days of MMT.
Highlights
58 million people worldwide had opioid user in 2019, with 30 million accounting for opiate users (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2020)
Multivariate analysis showed that after adjustments for income level, urbanity, education status, history of motor vehicle collisions, driving under the influence (DUI), BZD (Z-drug) use, and antidepressant use, the adjusted HR for motor vehicle collisions in the maintenance treatment (MMT) group was 2.75 (95% HR, 1.87–4.04; p
No differences were observed in the incidence of motor vehicle collisions between groups with respect to history of motor vehicle collisions, DUI, antidepressant use, or BZD (Z-drug) use
Summary
58 million people worldwide had opioid user in 2019, with 30 million accounting for opiate users (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, 2020). Three more recent studies (Bramness et al, 2012; Corsenac et al, 2012; Leveille et al, 1994) found that patients receiving buprenorphine maintenance treatment or MMT had a significantly increased incidence of motor vehicle collisions These studies used medium-to-large-sized cohorts, they neglected some potential risk factors for motor vehicle collisions among drivers receiving MMT, opiate use.
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