Characterizing opioid agonist therapy uptake and factors associated with treatment retention among people with HIV in British Columbia, Canada

Original research
by
Yazdani, Kiana et al

Release Date

2023

Geography

Canada

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Yes

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Objective

Accidental overdoses are now the leading cause of death among people with HIV (PWH) in British Columbia (BC). We examined the utilization and retention of opioid agonist therapy (OAT).

Findings/Key points

PWH experienced low retention rates in OAT. Retention outcomes were more positive for SROM and iOAT. The association between OAT medication type and retention odds may be particularly influenced by HCV diagnosis. Optimal management of opioid use disorder among PWH, with an emphasis on attaining the therapeutic dose is crucial.

Design/methods

Adult PWH (≥19 years) with ≥ 1 OAT dispensation in BC between 2008 and 2020 were included (n=1,515).

Keywords

Substitution/OAT
About PWUD
Outcomes