Results after 6-month pilot implementation of the methadone take - home program in three provinces in Vietnam, 2021

Abstract

The study aims to describe results after 6-month pilot implementation of the methadone take-home program in Lai Chau, Dien Bien and Hai Phong from September to December 2021. A mixed method including quantitative (data extraction from 922 methadone medical records) and qualitative components (6 focus group discussions with 48 patients) among patients receiving take-home doses. Among patients participating in the pilot take-home program, retention rate after 6 months in the methadone maintenance treatment program was 96.7% and in the take-home program was 88.0%. The rate of missing at least one dose every month after being in the take-home program was less than 3%, lower to these rates before being in the program (7 - 10%). Patients acknowledged the benefits of the
program including (1) improved treatment adherence, (2) economic benefits and (3) improved health status and family relationship. The methadone take-home program meets the expectations of patients and shows initially benefits in improving treatment outcomes and socioeconomic benefits.