Outcomes measures for sexual minority patients in an opioid treatment program

Issues: Studies of sexual minorities (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex - LGBTI) have overwhelmingly been cross-sectional and descriptive. Description: Findings in this population, when compared to heterosexuals are: (1) increased risk for mental health and substance abuse problems; (2) different substances of abuse; (3) engagement in riskier sexual practices; and, (4) experiencing unique healthcare access issues. The Addiction Research and Treatment Corporation (ARTC) is the largest non-hospital based Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) in New York State, serving more than 3,000 patients annually. ARTC provides a wide range of healthcare and social services, including substance abuse treatment, primary medical care, HIV/AIDS care, and vocational/educational assessments to patients throughout Brooklyn and Manhattan. ARTC's patient population is 42% African American and 48% Hispanic, including sexual minorities, formerly incarcerated individuals, and people with mental illness. Lessons Learned: On the basis of anonymous surveys completed by sexual minority patients and their ARTC treatment staff, there is clearly an interest in having programs geared towards this population. In response to a NIDA R-01 Program Announcement (PA-06-218), ARTC will do a longitudinal pre and post-intervention study that evaluates sexual minority patients participating in specialized groups in the following outcomes measures: (1) substance abuse via toxicology screens and Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) assessments; and, (2) quality of life using a validated instrument, specifically the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) – BREF. Recommendations: These particular outcomes were chosen because they will provide sufficient data for statistical analysis of significance, which is lacking in studies of this population.