Treatment Outcomes Among Black Adults Receiving Medication for Opioid Use Disorder

The objectives of this study are to (1) assess psychosocial and clinical predictors of OUD outcomes and (2) explore differences in OUD outcomes by gender among a sample of Black adults receiving buprenorphine. This is a secondary data analysis of a cross-sectional survey and medical record review with a convenience sample recruited from an addiction medicine clinic. Analyses included Black participants who provided at least one urine drug test during the study period (n = 98). Prospective 6-month OUD outcomes (treatment retention, substance use recurrence, and buprenorphine continuation) were abstracted from the medical record. Univariate analyses explored differences by gender. Multivariate regressions assessed predictors of OUD outcomes. Participants were 53% women and middle-aged (47 ± 12 years). The majority (59%) had been in treatment for at least 1 year at study enrollment. Substance use recurrence was common, but many individuals remained in treatment. OUD outcomes did not differ by gender. Older age and absence of injection opioid use history were significant predictors of treatment retention and buprenorphine continuation. When provided access to high-quality treatment, Black adults with OUD demonstrate positive outcomes. Addressing structural racism and developing culturally informed treatment interventions are necessary to improve access to high-quality care for t his community.
Source: Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research