Very Integrated Project (VIP): Smoking and other lifestyles, co-morbidity and quality of life in patients undertaking treatment for alcohol and drug addiction in Sweden

Abstract

Background Most patients with alcohol and drug addiction have other risky lifestyles and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), adding to their morbidity and pre-mortality. Those are, however, potentially preventable. The aim was to identify and compare the patients in treatment for alcohol and drug addiction and identify important factors for high risk.

Methods Data was collected prospectively by interviews, questionnaires, examinations and laboratory tests regarding demographics, smoking, overweight, malnutrition, sedentary lifestyle, heart, lung and liver diseases, diabetes and quality of life. High-risk was identified by >2 NCDs and risky lifestyles.

Results 322 (192 and 130) patients participated, aged 52 years in median (ranging 24-80) and 67% men. Only 7% had no other risky lifestyles and NCDs. 62% were smokers, 11% in risk of malnutrition, 36% physical inactive and BMI was 27 (17-50). Furthermore, 41% had cardiovascular illness, 27% liver and 25% respiratory diseases, and 7% diabetes. After adjustment for confounders, drug addiction was significantly associated to younger age (46 vs. 56 years; OR 0.92 [CI 0.89-0.94]), unemployment (85% vs 66%; 0.35 [0.17-0.72]) and liver disease (49% vs. 12%; 0.21 [0.11-0.40]). The high-risk group was significantly older and more often unemployed. Health-related quality of life was not different between the groups.

Conclusion The large majority of patients in treatment for alcohol and drug addiction have common risky lifestyles and NCD comorbidity. They also have similar conditions, including quality of life. This may be important when planning a future very intergrated program (VIP) of health promotion.