Aging Trends in Methadone Patients in Basel-City
Author Information
Author(s): Dürsteler-MacFarland Kenneth M, Vogel Marc, Wiesbeck Gerhard A, Petitjean Sylvie A
Primary Institution: Psychiatric Hospital of the University of Basel
Hypothesis
This study aims to evaluate the age trends and related developments in the methadone population of Basel-City, Switzerland.
Conclusion
The study found a significant increase in older methadone patients in Basel-City, indicating a trend comparable to developments in US methadone populations.
Supporting Evidence
- The percentage of patients aged 50 and over rose almost tenfold from 1996 to 2003.
- The proportion of patients aged under 30 dropped significantly from 52.8% to 12.3% during the same period.
- The average methadone dose and the 1-year retention rate also increased significantly.
Takeaway
The number of older patients on methadone is growing, and we need to pay more attention to their specific health needs.
Methodology
The study analyzed anonymized data from the methadone register of Basel-City for patients between April 1, 1995, and March 31, 2003, comparing age distributions across different years.
Limitations
The study did not include all patients registered for MMT in Basel-City and relied on a retrospective approach with limited information.
Participant Demographics
The study included methadone patients from various age categories, with a significant increase in those aged 50 and over.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001
Statistical Significance
p < 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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