Preliminary results of a pilot intervention model to support people who use drugs in the community in Hanoi, 2022

Abstract

The study described the results of a pilot model of evidence-based interventions enhancing capacity of volunteer social workers to support people who use drugs in the community in Hanoi in 2022. The result of the intervention was assessed by comparing outcomes before and after a 3-month intervention period among 43 people who use drugs supported by these social workers. 9 out of the 43 participants (20.9%) did not complete the intervention or post-intervention assessment, primarily due to reasons such as arrest or admission to drug rehabilitation facilities. These occurrences were more prevalent among groups with differing socioeconomic characteristics and lower recovery resources. Among the 34 subjects who were fully evaluated, improvements were observed in mean scores of recovery resources and confidence in reducing drug use. Specifically, the mean score for recovery resources increased from 45.0 before the intervention to 46.6 after (p = 0.07), and the mean score for confidence in reducing drug use increased from 83.6 to 95.3 (p < 0.001). The study concluded that the pilot intervention model combining motivational interviewing and online support groups had shown promising initial results. It suggested that expanding the model and extending the duration of the intervention could yield more significant and tangible outcomes, thereby providing comprehensive support for drug users in the community.