Attitudes towards Buprenorphine: Comparison between Service Users and non-Users

Dr. Rohit Garg; Dr. Khushbinder Singh; Dr. Kriti Anand; Dr. Balwant Singh Sidhu; Dr. Purushottam Dass Garg

Volume : VII, Issue : II, February - 2018

Attitudes towards Buprenorphine: Comparison between Service Users and non-Users

Dr. Rohit Garg, Dr. Khushbinder Singh, Dr. Kriti Anand, Dr. Balwant Singh Sidhu, Dr. Purushottam Dass Garg

Abstract :

Introduction: Buprenorphine is a very effective drug for treatment of patients with opioid dependence. However, negative attitudes towards the drug may hinder patients from entering or retaining in treatment.

Aims and objectives: The present study was done to compare the attitudes towards drug of patients taking buprenorphine to those who are not taking it.

Material and methods: 200 opioid dependent patients (group 1) taking buprenorphine from opioid substitution therapy centers were compared to 100 patients (group 2) who had never taken the drug but were aware of it. After taking written informed consent, sociodemographic performa, clinical performa and attitudes towards buprenorphine questionnaire (Punjabi translated version) were applied. Appropriate statistical analysis were used.

Results: Nearly 60% patients in each group had less than 12 years of formal education, more than half were married and more than 60% were residing in joint families. The mean age was between 30 and 35 years in both the groups. Table 2 shows that patients in the OST group had significantly higher positive attitudes than the other 2 groups on 26 out of 28 items of the attitudes towards buprenorphine questionnaire. Significantly higher number of patients in group 1 endorsed positive attitudes towards the drug and responded that buprenorphine causes benefits to patients, reduces craving and withdrawal, helps to stay away from addiction and does not cause side effects.

Conclusions: The actual experience of using buprenorphine significantly alters attitudes towards the drug. Education regarding buprenorphine among out of treatment individuals is of paramount importance to remove myths and misconceptions about the drug. This will help to reduce the gap between patients who require treatment for opioid dependence and who receive it.