Sociodemographic characterization of a cohort of patients attending a buprenorphine clinic at Puerto Rico from 2011 to 2012

Introduction

It is important to describe the profile of buprenorphine treated patients in order to have a better understanding of the addiction mechanism. Literature has shown a scarcity about the characteristics of Puerto Ricans buprenorphine users. The objective of this study was to describe the sociodemographic profile of a cohort of patients attending buprenorphine clinic (“Centro Ambulatorio de Desintoxicación y Enlace”) at Ponce of Puerto Rico during the period of March 2011 to October 2012. Methods

This is a descriptive study in which variables such as age, marital status, educational level, occupation, type of drug use, relative support, and other variables were obtained by reviewing medical records. Univariate statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 17.0.

Results

A sample of 136 medical records patients was reviewed. Results showed that 85.3% of the patients were male. The mean age was 38 years old. 64.7% were single and completed high school degree (61%). The vast majority of the patients were unemployed (82.4%). 73.5% have some kind supportive relatives and 77.2% were imprisonment. 84.6% had used opiates and other drugs. The mean time period of drug use was 20 years.

Conclusions

Further advance research using an inferential approach is recommended in order to have a more in depth and comprehensive understanding of this population. Continuing exploring the demographics and other characteristics among buprenorphine patients are imperative for effective planning treatments.