SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Social Determinants and Retention in Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder

Pdf Summary

This systematic review examined how social determinants affect retention in medication treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). Because longer retention in treatment is linked to better outcomes and lower overdose mortality, understanding who is more likely to stay in care is important. The authors reviewed 17 studies (16 cohort studies and 1 cross-sectional study) including more than 700,000 participants.<br /><br />Overall, the review found moderate-strength evidence that three factors are associated with lower treatment retention: living in an urban area, identifying as Black/African American or Hispanic/Latino, and having co-occurring substance use (such as alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs). Specifically, urban residence was linked to reduced retention compared with rural residence, and Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino individuals generally had lower retention or higher discontinuation rates in several studies. Co-occurring substance use also tended to predict worse retention and more treatment dropout.<br /><br />The findings are notable because prior research often showed that urban areas have better access to starting OUD treatment. This review suggests that barriers to staying in treatment may be different from barriers to beginning treatment. In other words, improving initiation alone may not be enough; retention requires addressing additional social and clinical challenges.<br /><br />The authors conclude that, despite study heterogeneity and limited data, there is moderate evidence that urban/rural location, race/ethnicity, and co-occurring substance use influence OUD treatment retention. They emphasize the need for interventions that address these broader societal and structural barriers to care.

Asset Subtitle

Alyssa Scott

Meta Tag

Author List Alyssa Scott, Gary Asher

Category Research

Concept Social Determinants of Health

Concept Medication Treatment

Concept Opioid Use Disorder

Concept Treatment Retention

Concept Co-occurring Substance Use

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Penn State College of Medicine

Presenting Author Alyssa Scott

Track Other

Keywords

opioid use disorder

treatment retention

social determinants

urban residence

rural residence

Black/African American

Hispanic/Latino

co-occurring substance use

medication treatment

systematic review

Social Determinants of Health

Medication Treatment

Opioid Use Disorder

Treatment Retention

Co-occurring Substance Use