EXPLORING THE HEALTH CONCERNS OF PEOPLE TAKING METHADONE

▪ This is a summary: the full paper can be accessed atnursingtimes.net

James, Philip MSc, BSc, DipN, Dip REBT, RPN
Spiro, David RPN
Geoghegan, Noreen BSc, RM, RGN, HDip
Connor, Anita RGN
Hawthorne, Gail BSc, RGN

Philip James, MSc, BSc, DipN, Dip REBT, RPN, is clinical nurse specialist in child and adolescent substance misuse, YoDA Service; David Spiro, RPN, is staff nurse, both at HSE Addiction Services, Dublin; Noreen Geoghegan, BSc, RM, RGN, HDip, is assistant director of nursing; Anita Connor, RGN, is staff nurse; Gail Hawthorne, BSc, RGN, is clinical nurse specialist in hepatitis C liaison; all at HSE Addiction Services, Cherry Orchard Hospital, Dublin.

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THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN DOUBLE-BLIND PEER-REVIEWED

Nursing Times 104(35):p 26-27, September 2, 2008.

ABSTRACT

James, P. et al (2008) Exploring the health concerns of people taking methadone. Nursing Times; 104: 35, 26-27.

This article reports on a study to uncover the health concerns of clients attending a methadone maintenance programme provided by an addiction service in Ireland. The Health Concerns Questionnaire 3 was completed by 261 clients attending methadone maintenance clinics.

The most endorsed items tended to be psychosocial health concerns, particularly mood-related items. Additional comments highlighted various health issues including hepatitis C, diet, and sexual and mental health. Clients on methadone maintenance demonstrated a high level of health-related concerns. In particular, they were most concerned about mood and hepatitis C; these topics therefore merit attention from staff in addiction services.