title: Patient Perspectives Associated with Intended Duration of Buprenorphine Maintenance Therapy.
abstract: Patients with opioid use disorders frequently discontinue opioid maintenance therapy (OMT) prematurely, reducing retention and possibly limiting the efficacy of OMT. The current study is a cross-sectional survey of patients (N=69) enrolled in buprenorphine maintenance therapy (BMT). We examined patient demographics, BMT characteristics (e.g., dose, time in BMT), and patient perspectives regarding intended duration of BMT. In addition, patients' reasons for continuing or discontinuing BMT were investigated. Results revealed that the majority (82%) of participants reported wanting to continue BMT for at least 12months. Age at first drug use, time in BMT, concern about pain, and concern about relapse were all positively associated with intended duration of BMT. The following were negatively associated with intended duration of BMT: recent discussion with a treatment provider about BMT discontinuation, prior attempt to discontinue BMT, concern about withdrawal symptoms, experiencing pleasurable effects from taking buprenorphine, and perceived conflicts of BMT with life, work, or school obligations. The most common reasons for wanting to continue BMT included concerns about withdrawal symptoms, relapse, and pain. Although preliminary, the findings highlight key issues with regard to patients' perspectives of BMT. The results of this study provide information that may be useful in improving OMT programs and treatment outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425, United States. Electronic address: BSBentzley@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Brandon S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Bentzley
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC 29425, United States. Electronic address: stephen@musc.edu.
authors.forename: Kelly S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Barth
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC 29425, United States. Electronic address: backs@musc.edu.
authors.forename: Sudie E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Back
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Florida, 945 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States. Electronic address: Garonson0702@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Garrett
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Aronson
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, 67 President Street, Charleston, SC 29425, United States. Electronic address: booksw@musc.edu.
authors.forename: Sarah W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Book
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002047:Buprenorphine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D058850:Opiate Substitution Treatment / Q000379:methods*; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D057240:Patient Preference; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D002047:Buprenorphine
keywords: Buprenorphine; Opioid maintenance therapy; Opioid use disorder; Patient perspectives; Treatment cessation