Characteristics of women on opioid substitution therapy in primary healthcare in Tshwane (South Africa): a retrospective observational study

Background Women who use drugs face specific challenges compared to men, such as higher rates of HIV infection, unsafe injecting practices and intimate partner violence. However, this population’s access to drug dependence treatment and gender-sensitive interventions remains limited, leading to unmet needs and increased vulnerability.

Aim To investigate the characteristics of and associations with retention in care among women on opioid substitution therapy (OST) in a community based primary care setting.

Design & setting A descriptive observational study within the Community Orientated Substance Use Programme in Tshwane, South Africa.

Method Data from 199 women (>18 years) on OST was extracted from an electronic database and paper-based files. Data was analysed descriptively, and inferential analysis looked for association of variables with retention on OST for≥6 months.

Results Majority of participants were unemployed, with 44.3% falling within the 20-29 years age range. During the initiation and course of OST, 39.2% of women experienced intimate partner violence, and 19.0% were pregnant. Retention on OST was significantly associated with increasing age at initiation (p=0.047), knowledge of HIV status (p=0.029), an increase in the ASSIST score (p=0.023), and methadone dose (p<0.001). Factors such as race, employment status, health system level, pregnancy, intimate partner using substances, intimate partner violence, route of administering opioids, and having tuberculosis and/or hepatitis C exposure did not show a significant relationship with retention on OST (p>0.05).

Conclusion This study reveals specific vulnerabilities in women receiving OST, emphasising the need for the integration of interventions to address reproductive health, violence mitigation, infectious disease and polydrug use into care.