Abstract submission: Exploratory study of domain-specific determinants of opiate-dependent individuals’ Quality of Life
Jessica De Maeyer – Wouter Vanderplasschen – Eric Broekaert
Contact details:
Jessica De Maeyer, Phd
Researcher
GhentUniversity
Department of Orthopedagogics
Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Gent (Belgium)
Phone: (0032)93310308
E-mail:
Exploratory study of domain-specific determinants of opiate-dependent individuals’
Quality of Life
Jessica De Maeyer – Wouter Vanderplasschen – Eric Broekaert
ABSTRACT
Background/Aims:In drug treatment outcome literature, a focus on objective and socially desirable indicators of change (e.g. no drug use) has predominated, while outcome indicators that are important for drug users themselves (e.g. quality of life, satisfaction with treatment) have largely been neglected. However, the chronic nature of drug use problems creates the necessity to look at outcomes beyond the direct consequences of drug dependence and based on clients’ needs. Since 2000, interest in QoL in substance abuse research has grown extensively, especially among opiate-dependent individuals. Nevertheless, studies on determinants of quality of life (QoL) among opiate-dependent individuals are scarce. Moreover, findings concerning the role of severity of drug use are inconsistent. This exploratory study investigates the association between domain-specific QoL and demographic, social, person, health and drug-related variables, and potential indirect effects of current heroin use on opiate-dependent individuals’ QoL. Methods:A cohort of opiate-dependent individuals who started outpatient methadone treatment at least five years previously (n=159) was interviewed about their current QoL, psychological distress, satisfaction with methadone treatment and the severity of drug-related problems, using the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile, the Brief Symptom Inventory, the Verona Service Satisfaction Scale for Methadone Treatment and the EuropASI. Results:Satisfaction with methadone treatment, having a structured daily activity, having employment and fulfilment were the most frequent positive determinants of specific domains of QoL, while the inability to change one’s living situation was the variable that most frequently had a significant negative effect on one of the QoL domains. None of the QoL domains were defined by the same compilation of determinants. No direct effect of current heroin use on QoL was retained, but path analyses demonstrated its indirect effects on the domains of ‘living situation’, ‘finances’ and ‘leisure and social participation’. Conclusion:These findings illustrate the particularity of each QoL domain and the need for a multidimensional approach to the concept. The relationship between current heroin use and various domains of opiate-dependent individuals’ QoL is complex, indirect and mediated by psychosocial and treatment-related variables.
Ghent University
Department of Orthopedagogics
Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Gent (Belgium)
Phone: (0032)93310308
E-mail: