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Healthy eating among people on opioid agonist therapy: a qualitative study of patients’ experiences and perspectives
Individuals with substance use disorders, particularly those with opioid use disorder undergoing opioid agonist therapy, often exhibit unhealthy dietary habits characterized by high consumption of sweets and processed foods, coupled with a deficiency in nutritious items such as fruits and vegetables. These patterns are known to increase the risk of noncommunicable diseases. Through interviews with 14 participants at opioid agonist therapy clinics in Western Norway, conducted using a semi-structured guide and analyzed through systematic text condensation, this study by Furulund et al. (2024) sheds light on perceptions of healthy eating and the barriers faced by these individuals. Most participants expressed dissatisfaction with their current dietary habits and expressed a desire to improve their diet for better health outcomes. Barriers to healthy eating identified included oral health issues, smoking habits, and limited social connections, with economic constraints being of lesser concern. Social settings were found to facilitate healthier eating behaviors. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding and addressing these barriers and facilitators to promote healthier dietary practices among individuals with opioid use disorder, which could potentially lead to improved overall health and well-being. [NPID: Diet, vegetables, fruit, habits, lifestyle, substance-related disorders, therapeutics, methadone, behavior mechanisms]
Year: 2024
