Positive Treatment Outcomes Research Articles

The association between trajectory of change in social functioning and psychological treatment outcome in university students: a growth mixture model analysis

IntroductionAttendance at university can result in social support network disruption. This can have a negative impact on the mental health of young people. Demand for mental health support continues to increase in universities, making identification of factors associated with poorer outcomes a priority. Although social functioning has a bi-directional relationship with mental health, its association with effectiveness of psychological treatments has yet to be explored.ObjectivesTo explore whether students showing different trajectories of change in social function over the course of treatment differed in eventual treatment outcome.Methods Growth mixture models were estimated on a sample of 5221 students treated in routine mental health services. Different trajectories of change in self-rated impairment in social leisure activities and close relationships (Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS) items 3 and 5) during the course of treatment were identified. Associations between trajectory classes and treatment outcomes were explored through multinomial regression.Results Five trajectory classes were identified for social leisure activity impairment (Figure 1), and three classes were identified for close relationship impairment (Figure 2). For both measures the majority of students remained mildly impaired (Class 1). Other trajectories included severe impairment with limited improvement (Class 2), severe impairment with delayed improvement (Class 3), and, in social leisure activities only, rapid improvement (Class 4), and deterioration (Class 5). There was an association between trajectories of improvement in social functioning over time and positive treatment outcomes. Trajectories of worsening or stable severe impairment were associated with negative treatment outcomes.Image:Image 2:ConclusionsChanges in social functioning impairment are associated with psychological treatment outcomes in students, suggesting that these changes may be associated with treatment effectiveness or recovery experiences. Future research should look to establish whether a causal link exists to understand if additional benefit for students can be gained through integrating social support within psychological treatment.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Self-help group (SHG) attendance and treatment outcomes among older adults in the US

BackgroundSubstance dependency is a global problem and significantly affects the geriatric population in the United States. This study aims to determine how self-help group (SHG) attendance affects substance use treatment outcomes among older adults in the US. MethodsThis cross-sectional study used the 2020 discharge treatment episodes data set (TEDS-D)fromthe Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between self-help group attendance and treatment outcomes among older adults. ResultsWe included 3,424 older adults (19.2% female). The primary substance use was alcohol in more than two-thirds of the participants (67.9%), while heroin (17.1%), cocaine (5.8%), and other opiates/synthetics (3.3%) were the other common primary substance of abuse among other participants. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, SHG attendance at discharge from treatment facility was significantly associated with reduced frequency of use of primary substance -FUPS (p-value = 0.013) and increased odds of treatment completion (p-value <0.001) but no significant association with arrests at discharge from treatment facility (p-value = 0.101). SHG attendance on admission into treatment facility was associated with reduced odds of treatment completion (p-value <0.001). Having a living arrangement at discharge was found to be associated with reduced FUPS (p-value <0.001) but with lower odds of treatment completion (p-value <0.001). ConclusionAssociation of SHG attendance with positive treatment outcomes indicates the need to enhance access to this service in the geriatric population.

Members' goal orientation and working alliance in group therapy: A response surface analysis.

Research suggests that a client's achievement goal orientation and alliance are important for positive treatment outcomes. However, it is currently unknown how a member's goal orientation and alliance in tandem relate to members' improvement in group therapy, despite conceptual wisdom regarding the additive effect of a high alliance and a mastery or approach goal orientation. Therefore, this study sought to examine the congruence between members' goal orientation and the member-group alliance on members' perceived improvement in group therapy. Data for this study came from 99 clients across 10 interpersonal process groups. Polynomial regression and response surface analysis were used to test the congruent and discrepant effects of members' goal orientation (i.e., approach-performance, avoidance-performance, and mastery orientation) and group alliance on their perceived improvement in group therapy. As hypothesized, members who reported congruent high group alliance and high mastery orientation or approach orientation compared to congruent low alliance and low mastery or approach orientation reported high levels of improvement in group therapy. Regarding discrepant effects, discrepant high alliance and low avoidance orientation compared to low alliance and high avoidance was positively related to improvement in group therapy, and discrepant high alliance and low approach orientation compared to low alliance and high approach was positively related to improvement in group therapy. Last, discrepant high alliance and low mastery and low alliance and high mastery were positively related to improvement in group therapy, suggesting a compensatory effect between mastery orientation and alliance on improvement. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Current Applications and Future Perspectives of Photobiomodulation in Ocular Diseases: A Narrative Review

The present article provides an overview of photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level laser light therapy (LLLT), which has garnered attention in ophthalmology for its potential therapeutic benefits in various ocular diseases. Photobiomodulation involves the use of low-intensity lasers or light-emitting diodes to stimulate biological processes in target tissues without causing thermal damage. This article discusses how PBM has been explored across various ocular conditions, including ocular surface diseases, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, myopia, amblyopia, and glaucoma. It summarizes findings from human studies and clinical trials demonstrating positive outcomes of PBM treatment in these areas. Moreover, the article emphasizes the importance of establishing standardized treatment protocols in terms of session duration and frequency, light type, and patients’ inclusion criteria to further validate the role of PBM in managing ocular diseases.

The Convention of Regular Treatment with Sphetic Conversion During Intensive Tuberculosis Treatment

Purpose: The primary objective of this research is to investigate the relationship between medication regularity and sputum conversion following the intensive treatment phase of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) at Banyu Urip Public Health Center in Surabaya. Recognizing the importance of sputum conversion as a key determinant of treatment success in pulmonary TB, this study aims to assess the impact of medication regularity on the achievement of sputum conversion among TB patients. Methods: This study adopts an analytic correlation approach with a cross-sectional design. The study population comprises tuberculosis patients receiving treatment at the Public Health Center. Data collection involves simple random sampling of 51 respondents, focusing on variables related to medication regularity and sputum conversion. Questionnaires based on the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8) and observation sheets are utilized as instruments. Data analysis is conducted using logistic binary regression to examine the relationship between medication regularity and sputum conversion. Results and Discussion: Among the 51 respondents, 70.6% demonstrated regularity in treatment, with 76.5% achieving sputum conversion. The Spearman rank test analysis indicates a significant relationship between medication regularity and sputum conversion (p = 0.011; p &lt; α = 0.05; r = 0.352). These findings suggest that adherence to medication is positively associated with successful sputum conversion following the intensive treatment phase of tuberculosis. Such results underscore the critical role of medication regularity in achieving positive treatment outcomes in TB patients. Implications of the Research: The research outcomes hold important implications for healthcare providers and policymakers involved in tuberculosis management and control. The findings highlight the significance of promoting medication regularity among TB patients to enhance treatment efficacy and increase the likelihood of sputum conversion. It underscores the importance of providing comprehensive counseling and support services to TB patients and their families, along with engaging other relevant stakeholders, to ensure adherence to treatment protocols throughout the course of therapy. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the existing literature by focusing on the relationship between medication regularity and sputum conversion specifically within the context of tuberculosis treatment. By employing logistic binary regression analysis and incorporating the MMAS-8 questionnaire, the research offers valuable insights into the factors influencing treatment outcomes in TB patients. The findings provide a basis for targeted interventions aimed at improving medication adherence and enhancing treatment success rates in pulmonary tuberculosis, thereby contributing to more effective tuberculosis management strategies.

Predictors of effective therapy among individuals with Cannabis Use Disorder: a review of the literature.

Treatment demand for Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) has increased in the past decade in almost all European countries, and CUD is currently the most common reason for first-time drug-related treatment admission in the European Union. Even though several therapeutic approaches have been shown to benefit individuals with CUD, there is a lack of knowledge regarding factors associated with effective therapy and the underlying mechanisms of change among individuals with CUD presenting for treatment. The aim of the present paper was to review current knowledge on factors that have been shown to contribute to positive outcomes in CUD treatment. A scoping methodology was used, focusing on empirically evaluated studies that used defined, cannabis-related outcome measures. In eligible studies, factors of investigation were categorized as either 'mediators', i.e., treatment-related factors associated with the processes or mechanisms through which patients benefit from therapy, or 'moderators' which are patient-related characteristics that predict his/her odds to benefit from treatment or patient-related (i.e., moderators). Factors categorized as mediators were then classified 'specific factors' if they were related to a certain technique or treatment modality or 'common factors' if they were assessed beyond treatment modalities. Findings suggest that in CUD treatment, specific mediators include treatment duration, addressing motivation to change, acquiring coping skills, enhancing self-efficacy, and integrating several therapeutic components. Common mediators include therapeutic alliance, empathy, expectations and cultural adaptation. Moderators in CUD treatment include sex, ethnicity, age-related factors and comorbid disorders.

Exploring Inpatients' Perspective: A Cross-Sectional Survey on Satisfaction and Experiences in Greek Hospitals.

The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate patient-relevant experiences that fulfill the expectations and demands of society in Greece and those that could be improved by offering a better quality of care. The satisfaction of health service recipients is one of the key elements of the success of a health system. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to obtain data on satisfaction with hospitalization from patients admitted to 10 public hospitals in Athens between June 2019 and December 2021. Statistical analysis was applied to 57 items and 7 dimensions of patient satisfaction, namely waiting-arrival-admission, nursing staff, medical staff, other staff, service and quality of food, interior environment, and procedures. A total of 3724 patients, aged ≥ 18 years, who had experienced hospitalization and agreed to participate in the study were included, the response rate of which was 93%. Patient satisfaction and experience with healthcare services provided by hospitals is moderate, with almost two-thirds of patients (67.38%) satisfied with the care they received. The encounter with the medical-nursing personnel (3.75/5) and other staff (4/5) were factors that positively affected patients' overall satisfaction with hospitalization. However, there were some causes of dissatisfaction, mainly associated with waiting hours, easy access to medical services or services received in emergencies, delays of planned procedures (3.50/5), or problems with old facilities and equipment (3.56/5). Based on the patients' judgment, the performance of hospitals was rated at a 'tolerable' level. Professionalism and the education of personnel led to a positive treatment outcome and improved the experience of patients to a good level. However, public hospitals continued to be underfunded and lacked strong support, which affected staff communication and responsiveness to patients' requirements, while smart technologies and the simplification of procedures were not adopted to help staff provide a better quality of healthcare. The results suggest that there is plenty of room for improvement.

Personality profiles of candidate patients for surgical treatment of obesity in the context of recommendations for psychological interventions in the pre- and post-operative periods

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to investigate and identify similarities and differences in the severity of personality traits of candi-date patients for surgical treatment of obesity in the context of developing psychological recommendations in the pre- and post-operative period.Participants and procedureThe study included 101 patients (74 females, 27 males) aged between 22 and 64 (M = 40.46, SD = 9.25) undergoing evalua-tion for surgical treatment of obesity at the University Hospital in Krakow. An examination of personality traits with the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised (NEO-PI-R) was conducted. The results presented here are an extract from an ongoing longitudinal study. The data were statistically processed using cluster analysis.ResultsThree clusters of personality traits were identified. The first cluster is characterised by low results in the factor Neuroticism and high results in the factors Extraversion, Openness to experience, Conscientiousness. The second cluster shows high val-ues in the Neuroticism factor and low values in the Extraversion and Conscientiousness factors. Third cluster is character-ised by low results in the factor Neuroticism and Extraversion, and high results in Openness to experience and Conscien-tiousness factors.ConclusionsThe three identified clusters of personality traits of bariatric patients indicate a diversity of patients in terms of personality trait profiles. Due to the characteristics of these profiles and the resulting functioning modes, the first profile has been called ‘action-focused’, the second profile ‘emotion-focused’ and the third profile ‘avoidance-focused’. The results justify the need for an individualised approach in the surgical treatment of obesity. The results presented are of clinical value to the psychologist’s practice in the context of developing treatment-relevant recommendations for psychological interventions in the pre- and postoperative periods. The specific nature of the profiles provides a foundation for recommending, based on the principles of sound clinical practice, psychological interventions conducive to positive treatment outcomes.

Patients’ perceptions of the importance of improvements and side effects from mandibular advancement device therapy for obstructive sleep apnea and snoring

ABSTRACT Objective To assess which improvements and side effects are considered most important by patients with OSA treated with a MAD. Methods A specific questionnaire consisting of 20 questions, including 10 questions on improvements and 10 on side effects, was developed and mailed to all subjects (54). Results 42 patients, participated in the survey by answering the questionnaire. The results showed that patients placed greater importance on the positive outcomes of treatment, with the most significant being the reduction in snoring and improvement in sleep quality. On the other hand, the side effects of difficulty speaking with the device, tooth mobility, and foreign body sensation were considered important. Conclusions The advantages perceived by the patients appear to outweigh the disadvantages, especially the reduction of snoring, increased productivity, and improved social and intellectual life. Most significant side effects are reversible and short-term, while occlusal changes, is not considered important by patients.

Health Workers' Responses to COVID-19 Pandemic's Impact on Service Delivery to Adolescents in HIV Treatment in Cape Town, South Africa: A Qualitative Study.

Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIVs) are considered a priority population in the fight against HIV, requiring dedicated services. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent disruptions deprived ALHIVs on antiretroviral therapy (ART) of the care and social support essential for treatment adherence and positive treatment outcomes. This study describes health managers' and healthcare workers' responses to the impact of COVID-19 on service delivery to ALHIVs in HIV treatment in the Cape Town Metropole. A descriptive qualitative design was employed, where semi-structured individual interviews (n = 13) were conducted with senior and programme managers as well as healthcare workers between April and October 2023. Inductive thematic analysis was performed using Atlas.ti version 23. Two main themes emerged from these interviews: "HIV service delivery to adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic" and "Lessons learnt-the way forward". The de-escalation of health services at primary health facilities and the disruption of HIV services resulted in disengagement from care by ALHIVs, increasing mental health and treatment challenges. This warrants the restoration of psychosocial support services and the re-engagement of ALHIVs. The findings from this study can function as a guide for health systems and healthcare providers to navigate future pandemics to ensure that vulnerable populations such as ALHIVs continue to receive care and treatment.

Facilitating children's in-session involvement in child and family therapies: A dynamic framework of clinical practices.

Children's in-session involvement in child and family therapies correlates with both positive and negative treatment outcomes. Thus, it is important to gain a better understanding of the clinical practices that facilitate children's involvement in therapy sessions so that practitioners can employ them with greater precision. To address this need, we conducted a study to answer the following question: What clinical practices facilitate children's in-session involvement in child and family therapies? The data consisted of 16 extant audiovisual recordings of child and family therapy sessions and 24 stimulated-recall interviews with the participants in the recordings. Following constructivist grounded theory and incorporating storyline as an additional analytical technique, we have constructed a framework consisting of four involvement-enhancing practices: managing time, staying relevant, adjusting intensity, and facilitating inclusion. Furthermore, by detailing some of the complex processes that practitioners navigate when they facilitate children's involvement, our study adds a multilayered and dynamic dimension to the list of already established involvement facilitators. It may be used to moderate an overstandardized work culture that continues to characterize services that address children's needs. The results may be applied to other institutional encounters, providing resonance beyond the analyzed therapy sessions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Patients' Awareness of Symptoms, Understanding and Perception of Parkinson's Disease

This study investigates the crucial role of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients' awareness, understanding and perception in achieving positive treatment outcomes. Using the Knowledge and Perception of Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (KPPDQ), a survey was conducted among 169 PD patients in one of the teaching hospital's Neurology Clinics. Significant correlations were found between age, duration since diagnosis, ethnicity, employment status, information sources, and patients' understanding levels. The study highlights the necessity for targeted interventions and continuous research to enhance patient education, correct misconceptions, and foster a more informed and supportive society for PD patients and their families, contributing to overall well-being.

Mainstream Telerehabilitation: A Threat to the PT Profession or a Paradigm-Shifting Opportunity?

Purpose: This study explored physiotherapists’ attitudes towards telerehabilitation (TR) focusing on how TR adoption during COVID-19 impacted the physiotherapy profession and the sustained use of TR treatment models. Method: A survey mainly comprised of open-ended questions was administered to Canadian physiotherapists in private practice. The responses were analyzed with inductive content analysis to generate themes reflecting barriers and opportunities associated with TR. Results: Among barriers, the subthemes of challenges with technology, technical know-how, patient buy-in, and professional identity emerged. Among opportunities, the subthemes of patient empowerment and self-management, positive treatment outcomes, increased access, expanded skillset, and paradigm shifting emerged. A unique finding was the tension between the themes of TR threatening and narrowing physiotherapists’ professional identities versus expanding PT practice with hands-off care models enabled by TR. Conclusions: This study corroborated past research showing technological and know-how barriers to TR adoption and suggested that TR has moved PT practice towards less reliance on passive therapies. An important implication of the study is that while TR may facilitate a paradigm shift towards patient self-management, buy-in may impede the sustainability of TR and other hands-off treatment models.

Contemporary and Future Development of 3D Printing Technology in the Field of Assistive Technology, Orthotics and Prosthetics.

3D printing is considered as a helpful technology that facilitates innovative assistive technology, orthotics, and prosthetics development. This technology could likely contribute to positive treatment outcomes. It could also mitigate the challenges encountered when using the traditional methods. Our team's research in the application of 3D printing in prosthetics, orthotics and biomedical technology has shown beneficial results in its use. This article gives a general description on application of CAD/CAM, digitalization and 3d printing in this industry followed by short description of two spinal-related projects conducted in our research team. Technological and clinical challenges on utilization of this technology have been listed. Finally, this manuscript provides recommendation for broader applications and developments of the aforementioned technology through interdisciplinary practices. A glimpse into the future of 3D printing in the healthcare industry shows that this industry is poised to continue having a significant impact in this sector. It should be emphasized that assistive technology, orthotics, and prosthetics require a human touch and connection, and no digital tool or technology can replace such requirements. Indeed, multi-disciplinary collaboration is the key to the success of applications of 3D printing.

Ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin injections of salivary glands in cerebral palsy children with sialorrhea

Objective: Excessive salivation and drooling are distressing problems that affect both children and their families. Salivary gland botulinum toxin injection is a widely studied therapeutic method for treating sialorrhea. The proper protocol for such treatment modality is an area of interest for researchers. This study set out to assess the success of ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin injections in either the submandibular or combined with parotid salivary glands for children with cerebral palsy suffering from sialorrhea, while also identifying factors that predict a positive treatment outcome. Method: This cross-sectional study included 30 children with cerebral palsy who have Sialorrhea. Ultrasound-guided botulinum toxin injections of submandibular salivary glands alone or combined with parotid glands were done. Drooling was evaluated using Drooling Rating Scale, Drooling Impact Scale, and 5-minute Drooling Quotient. Children were followed up weekly for 12 weeks after botulinum toxin injections. Result: All children showed a significant decline in drooling and sufficient caregivers’ satisfaction for the first 8 weeks after botulinum toxin injections, with gradual worsening of drooling later in 60% of children. Assessment scores were significantly lower in those who received combined parotid and submandibular injections than those who received submandibular gland injections alone. Changes in drooling scores have a significant negative correlation with the severity of motor disabilities. Conclusion: Submandibular salivary gland injection alone has a satisfactory response in decreasing drooling in children with cerebral palsy. However, a combined injection of both parotid and submandibular salivary glands gives a better response for at least 8 weeks without complications. This study not only addresses the clinical effectiveness of botulinum toxin injections in managing sialorrhea in children with cerebral palsy but also opens avenues for improved dietary strategies. Keywords: botulinum toxin; salivary gland; sialorrhea; cerebral palsy

Student-led activities of daily living group program in a hospital inpatient rehabilitation setting.

Occupational therapists have vital roles in inpatient rehabilitation to focus on independence in activities of daily living. Occupational therapy interventions are uniquely designed to address goals of service users and can be delivered individually or in group formats. Group interventions promote service users' mutual support and enable therapists to increase frequency and intensity of service provision. Student-led programs have become an attractive model, benefiting students while providing positive treatment outcomes for service users. There is an emerging body of literature that explores service users' and students' satisfaction with student-led group models of practice within inpatient rehabilitation and occupational performance outcomes of service users participating in student-led programs. This study aimed to explore the satisfaction of service users and students in addition to the self-reported occupational performance outcomes of a student-led activities of daily living group program in inpatient rehabilitation. Data from 33 service users and seven students were collected retrospectively. The intervention involved a student-led activities of daily living group program, consisting of three groups: breakfast, morning tea, and home readiness group. All service users and students completed unique satisfaction surveys at the conclusion of their participation in the student-led program. Service users completed a self-reported activities of daily living performance measure pre- and post-program. Findings were reported in descriptive statistics, and pre- and post-program data were compared with the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. All students were satisfied with the student-led program. Majority of service users were satisfied with all components of the student-led program. Median scores for self-reported performance increased significantly following the student-led program (P < 0.001). This study highlighted that service users and students were satisfied with the service delivery of a student-led activities of daily living group program. The program was effective in addressing self-reported performance for service users in inpatient rehabilitation. The findings from this study have potential to inform clinical practice on the implementation of student-led programs in occupational therapy settings.

Non-Pharmacologic Intensive Interdisciplinary Pain Treatment in Pediatrics: Impact on Symptoms, Daily Functioning, and the Family Unit.

Objectives: To assess non-pharmacologic treatment outcomes pertaining to health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in youth with chronic idiopathic pain and their families. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 115 youth with chronic idiopathic pain enrolled in a non-pharmacologic, hospital-based intensive interdisciplinary pain treatment (IIPT) program. HRQoL measures for the patient (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory [PedsQL] short form) and family unit (PedsQL Family Impact) were collected on admission and discharge as part of routine clinical care. Changes in PedsQL scores were calculated using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Multivariable linear regression was used to explore factors associated with patient-level HRQoL. Results: Both individuals and the family unit reported that their HRQoL improved in all domains by program completion. Improvements in pain and allodynia were present for program participants at the time of completion as well as at the 3-month follow-up, suggesting durability of these effects. Conclusions: A non-pharmacologic IIPT program is a compelling treatment for pediatric and adolescent chronic idiopathic pain, for both patients and the family unit. Patients participating in this program had positive treatment outcomes with significantly improved subjective and objective measures of physical, emotional, social, and cognitive function.

The treatment options for the traumatically fractured tooth; Case reports

The traumatic accident could cause various damages to the teeth and surrounding tissues. It makes dentist embarrass be-cause it not only requires the dentist to make quick decision, but also delayed decision affect the prognosis of the treatment. Depending on the location of the fracture, the fractured teeth are divided into crown fracture without pulpal involvement (Uncomplicated crown fracture), crown fracture with pulpal involvement (Complicated crown fracture), crown-root frac-ture, and root fracture. When the crown was fractured, treatment was performed with reattachment of the fragment or direct composite resin restoration depending on the presence or absence of the crown fragment. In the case of crown-root fracture, the direction of treatment can be set depending on whether the moisture control for final restoration is properly performed. In the case of root fracture, follow-up was observed after fixation using resin wire splint fixation, and if necessary, endodontic treatment of the crown fragment is recommended. The cases reported here have led to positive treatment outcome in fractured tooth for various traumatized situation.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Emotional Management Programme for Male Adolescent Offenders in Custody

This mixed-methods study examines the effectiveness of the emotional management (EM) programme for male juvenile offenders in custody. EM is a 10-session cognitive-behavioural, skills-based group programme designed to target a range of general criminogenic needs. Paired group analyses were completed to examine the differences in pre- and post-programme scores for the total sample ( N = 110) and results were separated into programme completers ( n = 96), non-completers ( n = 14) and Indigenous youth ( n = 75). Consistent with expectations, the results showed statistically significant improvements in emotional regulation and statistically significant decreases in overall levels of aggressive thoughts and behaviours for programme completers and for Indigenous youth in our sample. Contrary to expectations, the results also indicated that programme non-completers showed improvements across the outcome measures, although these did not reach statistical significance. Qualitative analysis of participant programme feedback further supported the quantitative results and highlighted the importance of the therapeutic alliance, programme facilitation style and delivery. The findings contribute to the ‘what works’ research base on risk reduction approaches for youth offenders and provide insights into programme and process factors that improve the likelihood of positive treatment outcomes. Suggestions for programme improvements and future research directions are discussed.

The Role of Patient-Reported Social Factors in Promoting Buprenorphine Consistency.

While medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) reduce overdose risk, inconsistent use can lead to substance use recurrence and compromise achieving optimal opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment outcomes. Research is limited on patient-reported perspectives on consistency of MOUD self-administration at home and its related social factors. The primary aim was to report on rates of patient-reported buprenorphine consistency among a sample receiving outpatient OUD treatment. The secondary aim was to explore differences in social determinants of health (SDOH) between patients reporting and not reporting lapses in buprenorphine dosing. This is a secondary analysis from a cross-sectional survey and medical record abstraction study (N=96). The primary outcome was patient-reported buprenorphine consistency, as defined as no lapses in buprenorphine dosing in a preceding 28-day period. SDOH survey items were adapted from the Healthy People 2030 framework. Participants (n= 96) were three quarters female (74.0%); most identified as white (54.2%) or Black (38.9%). Most reported not missing any buprenorphine doses over the preceding 28-days (88.5%). Demographic and clinical variables were similar between buprenorphine consistency groups. Participants reporting no missed doses reported few negative social determinants of health (examples: 90% not needing help reading hospital materials and not being afraid that they would be hurt in their apartment building or house). These findings reinforce the known role of SDOH as strong predictors of treatment outcomes for chronic diseases (like substance use disorders), beyond contributions by demographic or clinical variables alone. Future MOUD research should incorporate patient perspectives with the goal of informing patient-centered interventions. Promoting consistency in buprenorphine dosing using strategies grounded in patient experience could be an avenue to promote positive OUD treatment outcomes.