Predictors of MOUD referral among persons with involvement in the criminal legal system.

Introduction: Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a significant cause of opioid-related fatality, and while medications to treat OUD (MOUD) are effective, disparities remain in the access and uptake of such medications. This study investigated factors that may influence referral to and initiation of MOUD treatment.

Methods: Data from electronic medical records of 677 patients with a history of criminal legal system involvement in a recovery program were used to examine the flow of MOUD referral.

Results: Among patients identified as potentially eligible for MOUD treatment, about 38.0 percent were referred and 18.8 percent were confirmed to initiate MOUD treatment. Logistic regression analyses highlighted female gender and unemployment due to incarceration as positive and negative predictors of referral, respectively. The Chi-square test revealed that women and uninsured patients were more likely to initiate referred MOUD treatment.

Conclusions: Data highlight the need for greater connection between referral agencies and MOUD treatment providers, considering factors that may influence referral.