5A.3 Adherence at two-monthly assessments
During the experimental phase of the study, patients were assessed
by the local research team and physician every two months. Thus, in the period
from randomization to the primary endpoint at month 12, six assessments were
scheduled.
Figure 9. Adherence at two-monthly assessments
The majority
of patients had participated in all six assessments. In control group A 61.2%
of the patients adhered to all six assessments, while 76.2% of the patients
in the experimental group B adhered to all six assessments. The number of patients
without any post baseline assessment is negligible: two patients in group A
(2.0%), and none in group B. Adherence at the month 12 endpoint amounted to
89.8% for group A and 97.4% for group B. This implied that the 'Last Observation
Carried Forward' procedure at month 12 was conducted for ten patients in group
A and for only two patients in group B. In Figure 9, the adherence at the six
successive assessment-points is graphically displayed.
- The majority of eligible patients (86%) was included
in the intention-to-treat population; n=174.
- Twelve months treatment completion amounted to
85% in the control condition and to 72% in the experimental condition.
- Adherence at the month 12 endpoint-assessment amounted
to 90% for patients in the methadone condition and to 97% for patients
in the co-prescribed heroin condition
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