Methamphetamine use among methadone patients in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

Abstract

A cross - sectional study aimed to determine the rate and describe some characteristics of methamphetamine use among patients undergoing methadone treatment at 15 clinics in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). Results from 5216 individuals screened directly using the ASSIST urine test and screening questionnaire showed that 71% of patients reported previous methamphetamine use. Among them, 38.3% were identified as having moderate risk or higher (ASSIST score ≥ 4 points), or urine tests confirmed methamphetamine presence. Among patients with moderate risk or higher, the proportion of individuals with a high risk of methamphetamine use (ASSIST score ≥ 27 points) in Hanoi and HCMC was 6.5% and 5.8%, respectively. Enhancing screening for issues related to methamphetamine use among methadone patients can help determine the level of risk and provide timely support.
The study underscores the necessity of designing intervention programs tailored to the diverse needs of methadone patients using methamphetamine.