Abstract
BackgroundThe expansion of methadone maintenance treatment in mountainous areas in still limited and little is known about its health impacts on drug users. This study aimed to examine health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and health care access among patients engaging in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) in Tuyen Quang, a mountainous province in Vietnam.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey with 241 patients conveniently recruited in two MMT clinics (Son Duong and Tuyen Quang). EuroQol-5 Dimensions – 5 levels (EQ-5D-5 L) and Visual analogue scale (VAS) were employed to measure HRQOL. Multivariate logistic and tobit regressions were used to determine the factors associated with HRQOL and health care utilization.ResultsThe overall mean score of the EQ-5D index and EQ-VAS were 0.88 (SD = 0.20) and 81.8% (SD = 15.27%), respectively. Only 8.7% utilized inpatient services, and 14.9% used outpatient services. Being more highly educated, suffering acute diseases, and using health service within the last 12 months were associated with a decreased EQ-5D index. Individuals who were multiple substance abusers and those who recently had inpatient care were more likely to have a lower VAS. Older respondents, those taking their medications at the more impoverished clinic, substance abusers, and individuals who were struggling with anxiety/depression or their usual daily activities were more likely to use both inpatient and outpatient care.ConclusionsIn summary, we observed good HRQOL, but high prevalence of anxiety/depression and low rates of service utilization among MMT patients in Tuyen Quang province. To improve the outcomes of MMT services in mountainous areas, it is necessary to introduce personalized and integrative services models with counseling and interventions on multiple substance use.
Highlights
The expansion of methadone maintenance treatment in mountainous areas in still limited and little is known about its health impacts on drug users
Approximately 46.443 patients have enrolled in 251 maintenance treatment (MMT) clinics nationwide, according to the Vietnam Authority for HIV/AIDS Control [8]
There are more than 1,100 illicit drug users in the province, of whom 388 people have enrolled in the MMT program
Summary
The expansion of methadone maintenance treatment in mountainous areas in still limited and little is known about its health impacts on drug users. In addition to sharing contaminated needles/syringes during injecting drug, PWID are more likely to engage in HIV-related risk behaviors such as having unprotected sexual intercourse or involving in sex work to gain money for buying illicit drugs [3,4,5]. These behaviors could lead to the rapid spread of HIV/AIDS epidemic in the PWID population, and the general population [5]. This circumstance requires data to optimize resource allocation for further scaling-up of MMT program
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
