Abstract
BackgroundMethadone, a long-acting opioid agonist maintenance treatment (MMT) is used to treat opioid addiction by preventing opioid withdrawal and reducing cravings. However, it is important to note that mental conditions may persist, or even remain undetected while methadone maintenance treatment is ongoing. This study aimed to examine the level of psychological problems among MMT patients at public and private health facilities and identify associated factors.MethodFrom January to September 2018, a cross-sectional study was performed in Nam Dinh province, one of the largest epicenters providing HIV/AIDS surveillance and treatment services in the North of Vietnam. 395 male respondents currently receiving MMT agreed to participate in a face-to-face interview. Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) were used to assess psychological problems among patients.ResultsThe percentage of patients suffering from mild to extremely severe anxiety was the highest among psychological problems (18%). 2.8% of participants had mild depressive symptoms and the percentage of those having mild or moderate stress was approximately 4%. In addition, the longer treatment duration, the lower mental health scores regarding three types of psychological problems. Respondents who received MMT services in public health facilities were more likely to have a higher score of all psychological problems. Participants who lived with partners or spouse, having higher monthly family income had a lower likelihood of having severe depression and stress status. Freelancers or blue-collars/farmers had lower score of depression and anxiety compared to people being unemployed.ConclusionThis study suggests that among our sample, MMT patients receiving treatment in public health facilities might have higher rate of psychological problems, including depression, anxiety, and stress than that of those in the private health facility. These results highlight the necessity of taking psychological counseling adequately for MMT patients and psychological assessment should be prioritized in the early stage of treatment.
Highlights
Methadone, a long-acting opioid agonist maintenance treatment (MMT) is used to treat opioid addiction by preventing opioid withdrawal and reducing cravings
These results highlight the necessity of taking psychological counseling adequately for MMT patients and psychological assessment should be prioritized in the early stage of treatment
A study of Weissman et al showed that approximately one-third of MMT patients in the community had moderately to severely depression [12], 50% of MMT patients were found to experience depression based on study of Peles et al [13], while the rate of lifetime depression prevalence among opioid dependence patients engaging in treatment programs ranged from 20 to 50% [14]
Summary
A long-acting opioid agonist maintenance treatment (MMT) is used to treat opioid addiction by preventing opioid withdrawal and reducing cravings. Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) is a long-term or permanent treatment, which replaces opioids by other substitutes to mitigate physical and psychosocial hardships for patients [1]. Evidence in the literature shows that there is a considerable prevalence of MMT patients experiencing psychological problems in which depression and anxiety are overwhelming disorders [9, 10]. A study of Weissman et al showed that approximately one-third of MMT patients in the community had moderately to severely depression [12], 50% of MMT patients were found to experience depression based on study of Peles et al [13], while the rate of lifetime depression prevalence among opioid dependence patients engaging in treatment programs ranged from 20 to 50% [14]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
