The experience of aging among patients in opioid assisted treatment. A qualitative study.

Background and Aims: A demographic trend towards longer lifespans and an increasing aging population is evident among individuals receiving Opioid Maintenance Treatment (OMT). Within this patient group, age-related changes in health and function seem to occur at an earlier stage than in the general population. Various health-related symptoms and issues commonly found among the elderly, such as chronic pain, sleep problems, anxiety are also prevalent in the aging OMT population. Experiences of loss, reduced social networks, social isolation, and loneliness are further compounded by socio-economic factors such as financial constraints and poor living conditions. The complex health-related and psychosocial challenges faced by many older OMT patients will impose increased pressure on healthcare services in the future. A greater understanding of how OMT patients perceive the aging process, the associated changes and the consequence for daily functioning is necessary.

We aim to investigate how OMT patients (aged 45 and above) experience the process of aging: in what ways do changes in physical and mental health, as well as in their social network, impact daily functioning and quality of life? What are their current and future needs of the aging OMT patient, and how can these needs be met?

Methods: Focus groups and individual interviews will be conducted. Six to eight participants will take part in each focus group. In total, we aim to recruit between 24-32 individuals in the focus group interviews. Additionally, we seek individual interviews with approximately 10-15 participants. To ensure a diverse sample, individual interviews will not be conducted with participants from the focus groups. Interviews will be recorded and transcribed verbatim. A follow-up interview will be conducted approximately two years after the individual interviews.

Participants will be recruited from OMT outpatient clinics, as well as two low-threshold arenas in Stavanger and Bergen, western Norway.

A semi-structured interview guide, comprising six open-ended questions with sub-questions and follow-up questions, has been developed in collaboration with user representatives. In addition, participants will reply to a short questionnaire, including information about sociodemographic variables. 

Results: The process and preliminary analysis results will be presented at the conference.