Work

Comparison Between Urinalysis Results and Self-Reported Heroin Use Among Patients Undergoing Methadone Maintenance Treatment in China

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The validity and concordance of two main measures of drug use behavior, self-report and urinalysis, has long been discussed. More understanding is needed about the underlying factors associated with discordance between these two methods. OBJECTIVES: Describe the pattern and associated factors of discordance between self-reported heroin use and the urinalysis results of opiate use among methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) patients in China. METHODS: A total of 2,448 MMT patients from 68 clinics in five provinces of China participated in a survey, which collected information on demographics, drug use and MMT-related factors, depressive symptoms, and drug avoidance self-efficacy. The most recent urine morphine test result was obtained from medical records and compared with self-reported heroin use. Participants who had urinalysis within 14 days of the survey were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Among the 1,092 participants, 70 (6.4%) self-reported heroin use and 195 (17.9%) had positive urinalysis results. The over-reporters group had significantly higher education, and the under-reporters had significantly higher level of drug-avoidance self-efficacy and lower level of depressive symptoms. Among the participants who either self-reported heroin use or had positive urinalysis results, being young, having higher education, and having lower level of depressive symptoms were associated with discordance between self-reports and urinalysis results. CONCLUSION: The combination of both measures in assessing drug use behavior seems necessary. The validity of self-report should be considered differently based on demographic and psychosocial characteristics.

Source: Substance Use & Misuse

DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2016.1276598

Authors: Li Li, Li-Jung Liang, Chunqing Lin, Nan Feng, Zunyou Wu

Institutions: University of California, Los Angeles, Chinese Center For Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for AIDS/STD Control and Prevention,China CDC

Language: English

Topic: Opioid Use Disorder Treatment

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse