Factors influencing treatment-seeking behaviour among persons with drug use disorders

Abstract

Treatment-seeking behaviour significantly influences the course and outcome of mental, social and physical problems associated with substance use disorders. However, there is a dearth of information on the treatment-seeking behaviour of persons with drug use disorders in south-west Nigeria. We conducted the present qualitative study to identify the factors influencing treatment-seeking behaviour among persons with drug use disorders in other to develop recommendations to improve the uptake of drug treatment services in south-west Nigeria. There were 44 in-depth interviews conducted on drug users that had sought or received treatment for drug use. There were also three focus group discussions and six interviews of key informants. We used topic guides based on research questions and analysed transcripts using qualitative content analysis. The common themes found to influence treatment-seeking behaviour among participants were the perceived need for treatment, stigma, treatment cost and availability of funds, social support, fear of treatment-related issues, beliefs about treatment and alternative therapies and the perceived quality of care. It is important to understand the context and rationality of decision-making among persons involved in drug use. Exploring the clients’ views could potentially help professionals to improve the quality of health services, inform policymakers and promote programmes that could increase the uptake of drug treatment services in Nigeria.