Characteristics of substance use and some related - factors of patients participating in methadone take - home program in Dien Bien, Lai Chau and Hai Phong in 2022

Abstract

A cross - sectional study described the characteristics of substance use and some related factors among patients participating in MMT take-home program in three provinces: Dien Bien, Lai Chau, and Hai Phong in 2022. Data collection was based on interviews, medical record extractions, and urine tests on 405 patients. The results showed that: 58 patients (14.3%) tested positive for at least one substance, mostly from the group who had discontinued the treatment program. Mental health issues were more prevalent in the positive-testing group compared to the negative-testing group: risk of depression (20.7% vs. 7.5%) and anxiety/depression (19% vs. 5.2%). Additionally, anticipated stigma was also higher (19 vs. 17 points). Low educational attainment, quality of life, and discontinuation of MMT take-home program were three risk factors leading to substance use by patients. Screening, addressing health issues, and maintaining MMT take-home program will help patients reduce substance use and enhance the program effectiveness.