Health-Promoting Behaviors in Male Patients with Opioid Use Disorder: An Exploratory Study

Health-promoting lifestyle and behaviors play a crucial role in the prognosis of an illness as well as in healing. With the significant global burden of unhealthy lifestyle choices, their impact on individuals with substance use disorders can be particularly burdensome, hampering overall well-being. This study assesses health-promoting lifestyle and behavior and dietary habits among treatment-seeking male patients with opioid use disorders. This cross-sectional observational study enrolled 179 male patients undergoing treatment for opioid use disorder in a treatment center dedicated to addiction services. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II), the Maudsley Addiction Profile, and a food frequency questionnaire adapted for the north Indian diet. The mean age of the sample was 31.5 years, and almost half of the participants were underweight (n = 86, 48.0%). Participants often engaged in some health-promoting behaviors, such as nutrition, stress management, spiritual growth, and interpersonal relations; and generally neglected aspects of physical activity and health responsibility. Over half of the participants consumed less energy than recommended, while about a fourth failed to meet daily protein intake recommendations. The study underscores the need to incorporate lifestyle and dietary assessment and modification alongside psycho-pharmacological treatment for patients with opioid use disorders.