OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between individual characteristics and deep tissue infections in patients enrolled in opioid agonist treatment in Ontario, Canada.

METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients in opioid agonist treatment between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2015 in Ontario, Canada. Patients were identified using data from the Ontario Health Insurance Plan Database, and the Ontario Drug Benefit Plan Database. We identified other study variables including all-cause mortality using data from the Registered Persons Database. Encrypted patient identifiers were used to link across databases. Logistic regression models were used to measure potential correlates of deep tissue infections.

RESULTS: An increase in the incidence of deep tissue infections was observed between 2011 and 2016 for patients on opioid agonist treatment. Additionally, age, sex, positive HIV diagnosis, and all-cause mortality was correlated with deep tissue infection in our study population.

CONCLUSION: The study indicates factors that are associated with deep tissue infections in the opioid use disorder population and can be used to identify opportunities to reduce the incidence of new infections.