Background:Residential opioid rehabilitation aims to improve the mental health and quality of life of opioid users\nthrough abstinence and residential program participation. This study aimed to determine the depression, anxiety,\nstress and quality of life amongst maintenance to abstinence (MTA) program residents. Secondary study aims were\nto assess the personal characteristics of MTA clients, addiction and risk taking behaviours, factors associated with program\ncompletion, as well as to assess the reliable change in participantsâ?? mental health and quality of life on exit.\nMethods:Retrospective analysis of routinely collected data (2013â??2017) from surveys completed by 100 clients.\nOutcome measures were: Depression, Anxiety, Stress Score (DASS-42), World Health Organisation Quality of Life 8\nquestions (WHOQOL-8) and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Other variables included demographics, drug\nuse, other addictions, aggression, self-harm, suicidal ideation/attempts, and risk taking behaviours. Statistical methods\nincluded Chi-square, Fisherâ??s exact, t-tests, repeated measures analysis of variance and the Reliable Change Index.\nResults:All mean DASS-42, WHOQOL-8 and K10 scores improved significantly in all participants from entry to exit\n(p < 0.001). The majority of participants demonstrated reliable improvement across all psychometric measures. Completion\nrates for the MTA program were 51%. Depression (p=0.023), anxiety (p=0.010) and stress (p=0.015) DASS-42\nscores decreased significantly more in completers compared to non-completers. The rate of improvement in mean\nWHOQOL-8 scores and psychological distress scores (K10) was not statistically significantly different between completers\nand non-completers over time. There was no significant difference between completers and non-completers\non socio-demographics, self-reported drug addiction or risk taking behaviour on program entry, except for suicidal\nthoughts while intoxicated (p=0.033). Completers were more satisfied with their relationships (p=0.044) and living\nplace (p=0.040) on program entry.\nConclusion: Overall, completers and non-completers demonstrated improved mental health and quality of life from\nentry to exit, regardless of program completion. Depression, anxiety and stress reduced more markedly in program\ncompleters. Policy makers and programmers could use these findings to further validate their own programs to\nimprove mental health and quality of life of opioid users.
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