Predictors of MOUD referral among persons with involvement in the criminal legal system

Andrew P. Bontemps; Sofia Mildrum Chana; Elizabeth S. Hawes; Yoser Al Rawi; Christina E. Cenczyk; Lindsey R. Atkins; Li Li; Karen L. Cropsey

doi:10.5055/jom.0831

Authors

Andrew P. Bontemps, PhD https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1902-3045
Sofia Mildrum Chana, MA
Elizabeth S. Hawes, MA
Yoser Al Rawi, MD
Christina E. Cenczyk, MS
Lindsey R. Atkins, MSW
Li Li, MD, PhD
Karen L. Cropsey, PsyD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jom.0831

Keywords:

medications for opioid use disorder, buprenorphine, methadone, criminal legal involvement

Abstract

Introduction: Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a significant cause of opioid-related fatality, and while medications to treat OUD (MOUD) are effective, disparities remain in the access and uptake of such medications. This study investigated factors that may influence referral to and initiation of MOUD treatment.

Methods: Data from electronic medical records of 677 patients with a history of criminal legal system involvement in a recovery program were used to examine the flow of MOUD referral.

Results: Among patients identified as potentially eligible for MOUD treatment, about 38.0 percent were referred and 18.8 percent were confirmed to initiate MOUD treatment. Logistic regression analyses highlighted female gender and unemployment due to incarceration as positive and negative predictors of referral, respectively. The Chi-square test revealed that women and uninsured patients were more likely to initiate referred MOUD treatment.

Conclusions: Data highlight the need for greater connection between referral agencies and MOUD treatment providers, considering factors that may influence referral.

Author Biographies

Andrew P. Bontemps, PhD

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama

Sofia Mildrum Chana, MA

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama

Elizabeth S. Hawes, MA

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama

Yoser Al Rawi, MD

Cahaba Family Medicine Residency, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama

Christina E. Cenczyk, MS

Substance Abuse Division, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama

Lindsey R. Atkins, MSW

Substance Abuse Division, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama

Li Li, MD, PhD

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama

Karen L. Cropsey, PsyD

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama

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