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ABSTRACT
Introduction: Most studies on opioid agonist treatment (OAT) from South Asia have assessed retention over short term. The aim of this study was to assess retention rates on buprenorphine-based OAT in a community clinic at 6 years, and to assess factors associated with long-term retention.
Methods: Retrospective cohort study. Consecutive case records of patients with opioid dependence syndrome (as per International Classification of Diseases, Version 10) started on buprenorphine from 2005 to 2007 were reviewed for 6 years after an individual’s initiation on buprenorphine. Multi-variate logistic regression and odd’s ratio was used to assess variables that could predict retention to buprenorphine.
Results: The OAT retention rate of 150 participants by the sixth year was 36%. Mean dose of buprenorphine was 6.4 milligram per day (SD: 2.3). Opioid withdrawals (OR: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.01–0.52), concomitant opioid use (OR: 0.02, 95% CI: 0–0.14), and visits to counselor (OR: 0.1, 95%CI: 0.01–0.87) predicted poor retention to buprenorphine maintenance. Improved occupational functioning (OR: 14.08, 95%CI: 4.62–42.93) significantly predicted OAT retention. Adjusting for other variables, illicit opioid use (OR: 0.04, 95%CI: 0–0.37) negatively predicted, while improved occupational functioning (OR: 12.96, 95%CI: 3.43–48.91) positively predicted retention.
Conclusion: Patients have fairly good long-term retention rates on OAT with buprenorphine in community-based setting. Maintaining abstinence and improved occupational functioning improve buprenorphine retention.