Predictors of contact data instability among patients with substance use disorders: results of a cluster analysis

Objective: to identify socio-demographic characteristics associated with instability of contact data among patients with substance use disorders. Materials and methods: a cross-sectional analysis of 1, 168 patients undergoing inpatient addiction treatment was conducted. TwoStep cluster analysis was used to identify socio-demographic profiles based on age, type of addiction, marital status, employment, income level, and presence of children. Differences in the frequency of mobile phone number changes were assessed using Pearson’s chi-square test and Cramer’s V. Results: two distinct socio-demographic clusters were identified. The first cluster consisted mainly of older patients with alcohol dependence who were married and had children. The second cluster was characterized by younger age, drug dependence, absence of family, and unstable employment. Patients in the second cluster reported changing their mobile phone numbers significantly more often (59.4% vs. 40.3%; p < 0.001). Conclusions: instability of mobile phone numbers among patients with substance use disorders is associated with socio-demographic factors and may serve as an indicator of social instability and risk of loss of contact with healthcare services.

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