The quality of life of methadone patients at Tan Binh district medical center, Ho Chi Minh City in 2022

Abstract

Besides health indicators, the quality of life of methadone users is also one of the indicators showing the quality and effectiveness of a methadone treatment program. The dropout rate among people on methadone treatment at Tan Binh District Medical Center is more than 10% (reported in 2021). A cross - sectional study using the WHOQoL-BREF scale was conducted on 230 people who are on maintenance methadone treatment to describe their quality of life and some related factors at Tan Binh District Medical Center, Ho Chi Minh City in 2022. The result of the methadone treatment’s quality of life score was 64.6 ± 9.8 points, in which the quality of life in the fields of physical health, mental health, social relationship, and living environment were 68.3 ± 11.1 points; 66.3 ± 11.9 points; 59.1 ± 13.5 points and 65 ± 10.5, respectively. The quality of life of people on methadone treatment was statistically significantly lower in the groups under 40 years old, unmarried or divorced, no job and an average income of less than 2 million VND, HIV infection, hepatitis, and having a chronic illness. Strengthening mass media and supports for people receiving methadone treatment under 40 years old, unemployment and/or low income and getting chronic diseases will be needed to increase the quality of life.