Community-level factors influencing the duration of buprenorphine treatment in individuals with opioid use disorder: a cohort study using US longitudinal claims data.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Buprenorphine is effective in reducing opioid-related morbidity and mortality; however, many patients discontinue treatment prematurely. While previous research has focused on individual-level predictors of retention, the influence of community context remains underexplored. This study aims to examine how community-level factors, such as social vulnerability, availability of buprenorphine-waivered providers and access to behavioural health services, affect the duration of buprenorphine treatment episodes for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using longitudinal claims data from 2006 to 2022. Adults aged 18 and older who initiated buprenorphine treatment for OUD and maintained continuous enrolment were in

SUBMITTER: Jaimes-Buitron PA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12625938 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature