Results of methadone substitution therapy by opioid substances in mountainous communes in Thanh Hoa province, 2017

Abstract

A cross - sectional descriptive study on evaluating some results of methadone opioid addiction treatment for patients after 2 years of implementation in commune level was conducted in Thanh Hoa province (2017). This study aims to describe results of methadone substitution therapy by opioid substances in mountainous communes in Thanh Hoa province, 2017. Results showed, after 24 months participating in MMT in commune level, that reducing illegal drug use was decreased from 100% to 13.8% (p < 0.05); proportion of patients who continue to be treated is nearly 80%; no new HIV infection was detected; new detection proportions of hepatitis B and hepatitis C were 1.1%, and 1.4%, respectively; proportion of law violations was decreased from 37.2% to 0.9% (p < 0.05); acts of domestic violence was decreased from 83.8% to 2.5% (p < 0.05). Bringing methadone treatment services to the Commune Health Station has helped facilitate methadone treatment for opioid addicts patients. Based on the good results from this study, the project of implementing MMT to commune level should be expanded.