Prevalence of pain and its socio-demographic and clinical correlates among heroin-dependent patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment

Sci Rep. 2017 Aug 18;7(1):8840. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-09404-w.

Abstract

To date there have been no studies investigating the characteristics of pain in Chinese heroin-dependent patients (HDPs) receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). This study examined the frequency and socio-demographic and clinical correlates of pain in HDPs under MMT. A consecutive sample of 603 HDPs was recruited from three MMT clinics in Wuhan, China. These patients completed a standardized questionnaire concerning socio-demographic and clinical data. Pain intensity was assessed with the 5-point Verbal Rating Scale ("Overall, how intense is your pain now?") with responses of: 1 = none, 2 = mild, 3 = moderate, 4 = severe, 5 = very severe. A pain score of three or higher was used to denote clinical significant pain (CSP). The prevalence of CSP in HDPs receiving MMT was 53.6%. Factors significantly associated CSP in multiple logistics regression analysis were old age, marital status of "non-married", unemployment, having religious beliefs, a history of injecting heroin, a high dose of methadone, and more depressive symptoms. Over a half of Chinese HDPs receiving MMT have CSP. Services for HDPs in MMT settings should include periodic screening for pain, psychosocial supports, and professional treatment for pain.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Heroin / adverse effects*
  • Heroin Dependence / drug therapy
  • Heroin Dependence / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methadone / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged
  • Opiate Substitution Treatment
  • Pain / drug therapy
  • Pain / epidemiology*
  • Prevalence
  • Public Health Surveillance
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Heroin
  • Methadone