An Analysis of Treatment Preferences of Patients With Opioid Use Disorders: Findings From A Tertiary Drug Dependence Treatment Center in India

Background: In this study, we examined the patient preferences for the treatment of opioid use disorders, the factors determining these preferences, and the barriers faced while seeking treatment for opioid use disorders. Methods: The participants were recruited from both outpatient and inpatient services of a tertiary care centre, and the consenting adults seeking treatment for opioid use disorder were included through purposive sampling. Information on all treatment modalities for opioid use disorders was presented through a video, followed by clarifications. The options included naltrexone (oral, depot, and implant), buprenorphine (sublingual and injection), methadone, tramadol, counselling/psychotherapy, long-term residential treatment, Narcotics Anonymous meetings, and no treatment. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect responses, and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Findings: Participants (n=150) had a median age of 31 years, and were all male. Most (90%) were visiting the treatment centre from other districts, with a median travel time of two hours to reach the centre. Sublingual buprenorphine (41.3%) was the preferred option, followed by oral tramadol (33.3%). The treatment outcomes (77.3%), followed by logistic reasons (14.7%), were the major determining factors for choosing a treatment option. Frequent dispensing schedules (54%) and unavailability of medication near their residence (25.3%) were the major barriers to seeking long-term care. Conclusion: There was a greater preference for oral opioid agonist medication over all other formulations. A wider availability of medications for opioid agonist maintenance treatment could improve treatment-seeking rates. Further research on treatment preference could include diverse patient groups, caregivers, and treatment providers.