Assessment of the Mental and Physical Health Problems of Clients Undergoing Opioid Substitution Therapy: A Hospital-based Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Opioid substitution therapy (OST) is one of the most effective treatment options for opioid dependence. However, there are not enough credible studies available on the health-care problems of clients undergoing OST. Materials and Methods: The study recruited 100 patients undergoing OST on an outpatient basis using a consecutive sampling technique. The mental and physical health problems were evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, General Anxiety Disorder Scale 7, and a self-reported physical symptom checklist. Results: The estimates of depression and anxiety were 52% and 39%, respectively. The general physical ailments were more often reported by the subjects followed by musculoskeletal problems and neurological problems. A significant correlation was observed between physical health problems with anxiety (r = 0.40, P < 0.01) and depression (r = 0.37, P < 0.01). Conclusion: The clients undergoing OST have a high degree of self-reported health problems and psychological distress in this setting.

Keywords

• mental health
• opioid
• physical health
• substitution