Brief report: Gender differences in demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with opioid use disorder entering a comparative effectiveness medication trial.

This ancillary investigation of data from NIDA Clinical Trials Network protocol CTN-0051, a randomized, controlled trial comparing extended-release naltrexone to buprenorphine, examined baseline gender differences in individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) receiving inpatient services. Participants (N=570) provided demographic, substance use, and psychiatric history information.

Women were significantly younger; more likely to identify as bisexual, live with a sexual partner, and be financially dependent on someone else; and less likely to be employed. Women also reported significantly greater psychiatric comorbidity and risk behaviors, and had shorter duration, but similar age of onset, of opioid use.

Conclusions: Findings underscore economic, psychiatric, and infection vulnerability among women with OUD, which may complicate treatment initiation, retention, and recovery. Gender-specific interventions focused on these areas of disparity for women with OUD should be considered, including integration of OUD care with treatment for co-occurring psychiatric disorders and trauma, couples-based risk reduction interventions which address relational dynamics, and interventions that address the unique needs of sexual minority women.

Related protocols: CTN-0051