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Giang LM, Trang NT, Hoe HD, Anh NH, Thuy DTT, Bart G. "If they get out of drug rehab centers, they're on their own": Opportunities and challenges for people released from compulsory drug rehabilitation centers to communities in Vietnam. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 128:104443. [PMID: 38743963 PMCID: PMC11213659 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Compulsory drug rehabilitation is a major governmental response to illicit drug use in Vietnam and other countries in Asia. Long-term compulsory rehabilitation is associated with negative health, social and economic outcomes. The transition to community-based services for people released from compulsory drug rehabilitation has been problematic not only in Vietnam. This study utilized the WHO Health System Building Blocks Framework to examine the opportunities and challenges for people with substance use disorders (SUD) who are released from compulsory drug rehabilitation back into the community. METHODS Between October 2021 and August 2022, we interviewed people with SUD who had recently returned from or were preparing to leave compulsory drug rehabilitation (n = 25), their family members (n = 20) and professionals working in the field of drug rehabilitation (n = 28) across three cities in Vietnam. Additionally, we conducted a review of policy documents to complement the interview data. RESULTS The study identified opportunities and challenges within Vietnam's drug rehabilitation system concerning leadership and governance, financing, workforce, information systems and service delivery for people with SUD. Key opportunities include a legal framework that emphasizes community-based support for people with SUD, a government-funded national network of lay social workers, and ongoing efforts to connect people to community-based services. We found significant challenges caused by the lack of clear instructions for implementing supportive policies, inadequate funding for community-based services, persisting stigma from providers towards people with SUD and unavailability of community-based drug treatment other than methadone. CONCLUSION Vietnam continues with compulsory drug rehabilitation yet endorses recovery-oriented policies to address substance use issues. Substantial challenges hinder the effective implementation of these policies. Our study recommends reinforcing existing policies and enhancing recovery-oriented community-based services by improving the quality of data collection, building capacity of lay social workers who facilitate linkages to services and expanding community-based drug treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Minh Giang
- Center for Training and Research on Substance Use & HIV, Hanoi Medical University, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Thu Trang
- Center for Training and Research on Substance Use & HIV, Hanoi Medical University, Vietnam.
| | - Han Dinh Hoe
- Center for Training and Research on Substance Use & HIV, Hanoi Medical University, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Huu Anh
- Center for Training and Research on Substance Use & HIV, Hanoi Medical University, Vietnam
| | - Dinh Thi Thanh Thuy
- Center for Training and Research on Substance Use & HIV, Hanoi Medical University, Vietnam
| | - Gavin Bart
- Division of Addiction Medicine, Hennepin Healthcare and University of Minnesota Medical School, United States
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Moulis L, Le SM, Hai VV, Huong DT, Minh KP, Oanh KTH, Rapoud D, Quillet C, Thi TTN, Vallo R, Hoang GT, Moles JP, Laureillard D, Feelemyer J, Des Jarlais DC, Michel L, Nagot N. Gender, homelessness, hospitalization and methamphetamine use fuel depression among people who inject drugs: implications for innovative prevention and care strategies. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1233844. [PMID: 38025448 PMCID: PMC10661402 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1233844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The co-occurrence of substance use disorder and mental disorder, known as dual diagnosis, has a distressingly high prevalence among individuals grappling with either of these conditions. Mood disorders, especially depression, constitute a substantial burden for People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) and a significant public health concern in Vietnam. Identifying risk factors for depression in PWID is imperative for the development of targeted interventions. Methods We enrolled PWID into a cohort using the respondent-driven sampling method. Over a 36-month period, we systematically tracked the emergence of depression and employed multiple imputation in conjunction with a mixed nonlinear model to pinpoint risk factors for depression in this demographic. At inclusion, depression was screened using the PHQ-2 questionnaire, and subsequent episodes of depression were assessed semi-annually using the CES-D8. Results Three hundred and ninety-one PWID (26.6%) were depressed. Major risk factors for depression included being female, not having a permanent residency, having been hospitalized and using methamphetamine more than weekly. Other risk factors included age, being single, not having a health insurance card and not being on methadone. Limitations The exclusion of missing visits and social desirability could have led to selection and information biases. In this observational study, confusion biases are possible despite our best efforts. Conclusion Depression is alarmingly frequent in PWID. In this study taking in account the chronological relationship between sociodemographic and clinical factors and depression, risk factors were identified in this specific setting of low-to-middle income country. The findings highlight the need to develop innovative targeted psychiatric interventions with the help of supporting peers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lionel Moulis
- PCCEI, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, University of Antilles, Montpellier, France
| | - Sao Mai Le
- Haiphong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Haiphong, Vietnam
| | - Vinh Vu Hai
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Viet Tiep Hospital, Haiphong, Vietnam
| | - Duong Thi Huong
- Haiphong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Haiphong, Vietnam
| | - Khuê Pham Minh
- Haiphong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Haiphong, Vietnam
| | | | - Delphine Rapoud
- PCCEI, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, University of Antilles, Montpellier, France
| | - Catherine Quillet
- PCCEI, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, University of Antilles, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Roselyne Vallo
- PCCEI, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, University of Antilles, Montpellier, France
| | - Giang Thi Hoang
- Haiphong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Haiphong, Vietnam
| | - Jean-Pierre Moles
- PCCEI, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, University of Antilles, Montpellier, France
| | - Didier Laureillard
- PCCEI, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, University of Antilles, Montpellier, France
- Infectious Diseases Department, Caremeau University Hospital, Nîmes, France
| | | | | | - Laurent Michel
- CESP Inserm UMRS, Pierre Nicole Center, Paris Saclay University, Fench Red Cross, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Nagot
- PCCEI, University of Montpellier, INSERM, EFS, University of Antilles, Montpellier, France
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Al-Musawy J, Nashtar SB, Hussein HS, Rajjoub RA, Jazan HF, Kadhum AAH. Violence against Women by Addicted Husbands in Iraq. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.9120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Despite that women are becoming active participants and protagonists of the development social, economic, and political process, they still suffer from the distress of violence, and this problem still spread worldwide. Domestic violence against women is studied in the general population, but the violence against women with addicted spouses was little highlighted especially in Iraq, and this study aimed to reveal the rate of violence and to clarify the different types of violence against wives of addicted husbands.
Methods: This comparative study was carried in Ibn Rushud psychiatric training hospital in Baghdad, Iraq This study has been done during the time extended from10th April to 20thof December 2020, and conducted on 400 married women,200 of them were women with addicted husbands, and200were women with no addicted husband. The inclusion criteria were married women living with her husband, and those women who voluntarily gave consent were included. Divorced widows and pregnant women are excluded. The questionnaire used was valid and reliable and appropriate to our society's culture furthermore it was used in a similar study done in the neighboring country. Data analysis was performed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics and chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal–Wallis tests, odds ratio (OR), and Kendall's correlation coefficient were used to analyze the data. The overall mean score of violence was 70.47 ± 14.32 for the women with addicted husbands and 42.01 ± 7.50 for women with non-addicted spouses (P < 0.001). The mean score of psychological violence was 40.03 ± 5.03 in women with addicted spouses and 23.40 ± 4.26 in those with non-addicted husbands (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the mean score of physical violence was 23.71 ± 6.24 in women with addicted spouses and 15.50 ±3.76 in those with non-addicted husbands (P < 0.001). Moreover, the mean scores of sexual violence were 3.21 ± 2.11 and 2.92 ± 0.25 in women with and without addicted spouses, respectively (P < 0.001). Finally, the mean scores of financial violence were 2.10±0.94and 1.10 ± 0.23 for women with and without an addicted husband, respectively (P<0.001).
Result: The finding confirms the conclusion of other studies and reveals that the overall rate of violence was significantly higher among women with addicted spouses and especially if the spouse abused more than one type of substance.
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Tran MTN, Dunne MP, Minh Le G, Han HD, Nguyen TT, Luong HT, Luong QH, Pham HN, Baker P. Understanding Vietnam's drug policy for amphetamine-type stimulants misuse. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:45. [PMID: 35562829 PMCID: PMC9103057 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00621-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The emergence of widespread amphetamine-type stimulants (ATSs) usage has created significant challenges for drug control and treatment policies in Southeast Asian countries. This study analyses the development of drug policies and examines current treatment program constraints in Vietnam to deal with ATS misuse. The aim was to gain insights that may be useful for national and international drug-related policy development and revision. Methods A desk review of national policy documents and 22 in-depth key informant interviews were conducted from 2019 to 2021. Thematic content analysis was employed to identify key themes and their connections. Results Analysis identified Vietnam’s 30-year history of developing policies and formulating strategies to reduce supply, demand, and harm from illicit drugs. With the increasing number of people who use ATS (PWUA), Vietnam has recently promoted harsh policy and law enforcement to deter drug use and supply. This policy trend prevails in many Asian countries. The three main constraints in dealing with ATS misuse emerged from punitive and restrictive drug policies. First, the general public believed that Centre-based compulsory treatment (CCT) is the only appropriate treatment for all types of illicit drug addiction despite its low-quality service provision. The rigid drug policy has led to social persuasion with impractical expectations for CCT effectiveness. Second, the emphasis on punishment and detention has hampered new drug treatment service development in Vietnam. CCT has become monopolistic in the context of impoverished services. Third, people who use drugs tend to hide their needs and avoid formal treatment and support services, resulting in declined social coherence. Conclusion While new drugs are constantly evolving, the current law enforcement approach potentially constrains expertise to adopt effective treatment services. This study suggests that the top-down policing mechanism presently hinders the development of an appropriate intervention strategy for ATS misuse and diminishes social support to service providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Thi Ngoc Tran
- Faculty of Health, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia. .,Centre for Research and Training on Substance Abuse -HIV, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam. .,Nursing and Midwifery Faculty, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| | - Michael P Dunne
- Faculty of Health, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.,Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.,Institute for Community Health Research, Hue University, Hue, Vietnam
| | - Giang Minh Le
- Centre for Research and Training on Substance Abuse -HIV, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Hoe Dinh Han
- Centre for Research and Training on Substance Abuse -HIV, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Trang Thu Nguyen
- Centre for Research and Training on Substance Abuse -HIV, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Hai Thanh Luong
- School of Social Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Quang Hung Luong
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ha Nguyen Pham
- Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA), Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Philip Baker
- Faculty of Health, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.,Australian Centre for Health Law Research, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
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Hue TTT, Zheng Q, Anh NTK, Binh VN, Trung NQ, Trang HT, Chinh PQ, Minh LQ, Thai PK. Prevalence of illicit drug consumption in a population of Hanoi: an estimation using wastewater-based epidemiology. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 815:152724. [PMID: 34995598 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Illicit drug use is a serious issue in Vietnam, but information about their prevalence is scarce, mainly based on seizure data. Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is an alternative tool for obtaining such information, especially when stigma related to drug use can hinder survey approaches. The study aimed to apply WBE to assess the prevalence of use of a range of illicit drugs in an urban population of Vietnam. A total of 184 wastewater samples were collected at two different sites along a sewage canal, receiving sewage from over 400,000 people in Hanoi, Vietnam, in three different periods between 2018 and 2020. Illicit drugs and their metabolites were measured by direct injection using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The results were back-estimated, normalised to per capita daily consumption for assessement of consumption patterns and trends. Most drugs were detected in all the samples except cocaine, benzoylecgonine, amphetamine indicating a low prevalence of cocaine and amphetamine use. The estimated consumption level of methamphetamine was varied from 119.5 to 553.5 mg/d/1000 pp. The market of illicit drugs in Vietnam has changed from opiates to amphetamine-type simulants, and methamphetamine has replaced heroin as the No.1 drug, its use can be as much as 3 times more than heroin use. Moreover, we observed the considerable and potentially increasing level of ketamine consumption in Hanoi. No statistical difference was found in daily consumption per capita among days of the week for any drugs, both legal (codeine, methadone) and illegal (methamphetamine, MDMA, ketamine and heroin), suggesting the drugs were consumed mainly by regular users. This study provides important information related the illicit drug consumption in Vietnam, which will help to formulate appropriate drug control policies in this country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tran Thi Thanh Hue
- Department of Pharmacology, National Institute of Drug Quality Control, Hanoi, Viet Nam; Department of Analytical Chemistry and Toxicology, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Viet Nam
| | - Qiuda Zheng
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Nguyen Thi Kieu Anh
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Toxicology, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Viet Nam.
| | - Vu Ngan Binh
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Toxicology, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Viet Nam
| | - Ngo Quang Trung
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Toxicology, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Viet Nam
| | - Hoang Thu Trang
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Toxicology, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Viet Nam
| | - Pham Quoc Chinh
- Department of Toxins, National Institute of Forensic Medicine, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | | | - Phong K Thai
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia.
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Li L, Lin C, Liang LJ, Nguyen DB, Pham LQ, Le TA, Nguyen TA. Community Capacity Building for HIV and Addiction Service Integration: An Intervention Trial in Vietnam. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:123-131. [PMID: 34228251 PMCID: PMC8733056 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03363-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Scientific findings and policy guidelines recommend integrating HIV and drug addiction prevention and care into community-based settings. Systematic capacity-building efforts are warranted to provide technical support for community health workers and improve their confidence in the integrated service provision. An intervention trial was conducted between 2018 and 2019 with 120 community health workers (CHW) from 60 communes in Vietnam’s four provinces. The 60 intervention CHW received in-person training to enhance their HIV/addiction-related service knowledge and skills. Online support groups were established between trained CHW and local HIV and addiction specialists. The intervention outcomes were assessed using mixed-effects regression models with the data collected at baseline and every 3 months for 1 year. Adjusted analyses showed that intervention CHW reported a significant increase in the interaction with other treatment providers than the control group at 6 months and remained at the 12-month follow-up. The difference in the improvement of confidence in HIV/addiction-related service delivery between the intervention and control groups was significant at 6-month but became insignificant at the 12-month. Male CHW were more confident in providing services than female CHW at baseline, and gender differences in the changing patterns were observed over time. This capacity-building intervention demonstrated promising outcomes on CHW inter-agency collaborations and confidence in service delivery. Gender divides in healthcare professionals should be attended to in future studies.
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7
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Brown PCM, Thuy DTT, Edsall A, Hang NT, Mai PP, Hoffman K, Bart G, Korthuis PT, Giang LM. Familial support in integrated treatment with antiretroviral therapy and medications for opioid use disorder in Vietnam: A qualitative study. Subst Abus 2022; 43:1004-1010. [PMID: 35435799 PMCID: PMC9678077 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2022.2060435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: Patients report that familial support can facilitate initiation and maintenance of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). However, providing such support can create pressure and additional burdens for families of people with opioid use disorder (OUD) and HIV. We examined perspectives of people with HIV receiving treatment for OUD in Vietnam and their family members. Methods: Between 2015 and 2018, we conducted face-to-face qualitative interviews with 44 patients and 30 of their family members in Hanoi, Vietnam. Participants were people living with HIV and OUD enrolled in the BRAVO study comparing HIV clinic-based buprenorphine with referral to methadone treatment at 4 HIV clinics and their immediate family members (spouses or parents). Interviews were professionally transcribed, coded in Vietnamese, and analyzed using a semantic, inductive approach to qualitative thematic analysis. Results: Family members of people with OUD and HIV in Vietnam reported financially and emotionally supporting MOUD initiation and maintenance as well as actively participating in treatment. Family members described the burdens of supporting patients during opioid use, including financial costs and secondary stigma. Conclusions: Describing the role of family support in the lives of people living with OUD and HIV in the context of Vietnam enriches our understanding of their experiences and will support future treatment efforts targeting the family unit.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrew Edsall
- Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine
| | | | | | - Kim Hoffman
- Portland State University-Oregon Health & Science University School of Public Health, Portland, OR
| | - Gavin Bart
- University of Minnesota Medical School and Hennepin Healthcare
| | - P. Todd Korthuis
- Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine,Portland State University-Oregon Health & Science University School of Public Health, Portland, OR
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Rajkumar RP. What Are the Correlates of Global Variations in the Prevalence of Opioid Use Disorders? An Analysis of Data From the Global Burden of Disease Study, 2019. Cureus 2021; 13:e18758. [PMID: 34659934 PMCID: PMC8514710 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.18758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The recent opioid crisis in North America has brought the problem of opioid use disorders (OUD) into clinical and public health focus, with experts warning that other countries or regions may be at future risk of experiencing such crises. The existing literature suggests that a wide range of social, cultural and economic factors may be associated with the onset, course and outcome of OUD in individuals. The current study uses data on the estimated prevalence of OUDs across 115 countries, obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study, 2019, to examine the bivariate and multivariate associations between national prevalence of OUD and these factors. Methods Data on the estimated prevalence of OUDs was obtained via a database query from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Collaborative Network database for the year 2019. Recent (2018-2019) data on 10 relevant variables identified in the literature (gross national income, economic inequality, urbanization, social capital, religious affiliation and practice, unemployment, divorce, cultural individualism, and prevalence of depression) were obtained from the GBD, World Bank and Our World in Data databases. After transformation to a normal distribution, bivariate and univariate analyses were conducted to identify the significance and strength of the associations between these variables and the prevalence of OUD. Results Of the 10 variables studied, all variables except the divorce rate and religious affiliation were significantly correlated with the prevalence of OUD on bivariate analyses, though the strength of these associations was in the poor to fair range. On multivariate analysis, a significant association was observed only for the prevalence of depression, with trends towards a positive association for cultural individualism and unemployment, and a protective trend observed for religious practice. Discussion Though subject to certain limitations inherent in cross-sectional analyses, these results suggest that certain variables may be associated with a higher prevalence of OUD at the national level. Replication and refinement of these analyses may prove useful in identifying countries or regions at risk of a future opioid epidemic or crisis, which could facilitate the institution of preventive measures or early intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi P Rajkumar
- Psychiatry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry, IND
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Korthuis PT, King C, Cook RR, Khuyen TT, Kunkel LE, Bart G, Nguyen T, Thuy DT, Bielavitz S, Nguyen DB, Tam NTM, Giang LM. HIV clinic-based buprenorphine plus naloxone versus referral for methadone maintenance therapy for treatment of opioid use disorder in HIV clinics in Vietnam (BRAVO): an open-label, randomised, non-inferiority trial. Lancet HIV 2021; 8:e67-e76. [PMID: 33539760 PMCID: PMC8082651 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3018(20)30302-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND UNAIDS recommends integrating methadone or buprenorphine treatment of opioid use disorder with HIV care to improve HIV outcomes, but buprenorphine adoption remains limited in many countries. We aimed to assess whether HIV clinic-based buprenorphine plus naloxone treatment for opioid use disorder was non-inferior to referral for methadone maintenance therapy in achieving HIV viral suppression in Vietnam. METHODS In an open-label, non-inferiority trial (BRAVO), we randomly assigned people with HIV and opioid use disorder (1:1) by computer-generated random number sequence, in blocks of ten and stratified by site, to receive HIV clinic-based buprenorphine plus naloxone treatment or referral for methadone maintenance therapy in six HIV clinics in Vietnam. The primary outcome was HIV viral suppression at 12 months (HIV-1 RNA ≤200 copies per mL on PCR) by intention to treat (absolute risk difference [RD] margin ≤13%), compared by use of generalised estimating equations. Research staff actively queried treatment-emergent adverse events during quarterly study visits and passively collected adverse events reported during HIV clinic visits. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01936857, and is completed. FINDINGS Between July 27, 2015, and Feb 12, 2018, we enrolled 281 patients. At baseline, 272 (97%) participants were male, mean age was 38·3 years (SD 6·1), and mean CD4 count was 405 cells per μL (SD 224). Viral suppression improved between baseline and 12 months for both HIV clinic-based buprenorphine plus naloxone (from 97 [69%] of 140 patients to 74 [81%] of 91 patients) and referral for methadone maintenance therapy (from 92 [66%] of 140 to 99 [93%] of 107). Buprenorphine plus naloxone did not demonstrate non-inferiority to methadone maintenance therapy in achieving viral suppression at 12 months (RD -0·11, 95% CI -0·20 to -0·02). Retention on medication at 12 months was lower for buprenorphine plus naloxone than for methadone maintenance therapy (40% vs 65%; RD -0·53, 95% CI -0·75 to -0·31). Participants assigned to buprenorphine plus naloxone more frequently experienced serious adverse events (ten [7%] of 141 vs four of 140 [3%] assigned to methadone maintenance therapy) and deaths (seven of 141 [5%] vs three of 141 [2%]). Serious adverse events and deaths typically occurred in people no longer taking ART or opioid use disorder medications. INTERPRETATION Although integrated buprenorphine and HIV care may potentially increase access to treatment for opioid use disorder, scale-up in middle-income countries might require enhanced support for buprenorphine adherence to improve HIV viral suppression. The strength of our study as a multisite randomised trial was offset by low retention of patients on buprenorphine. FUNDING National Institute on Drug Abuse (US National Institutes of Health).
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Affiliation(s)
- P Todd Korthuis
- Addiction Medicine Program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR, USA.
| | - Caroline King
- Addiction Medicine Program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Ryan R Cook
- Addiction Medicine Program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | - Lynn E Kunkel
- Addiction Medicine Program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Gavin Bart
- Hennepin Healthcare, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Thuan Nguyen
- Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | - Sarann Bielavitz
- Addiction Medicine Program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | - Nguyen Thi Minh Tam
- Vietnam Administration for HIV/AIDS Control, Ministry of Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
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10
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Tran BX, Moir M, Nguyen TMT, Do HN, Vu GT, Dang AK, Ha GH, Nguyen THT, Vuong HQ, Ho TM, Van Dam N, Vuong TT, Latkin CA, Ho CSH, Ho RCM. Changes in quality of life and its associated factors among illicit drug users in Vietnamese mountainous provinces: a 12-month follow-up study. SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PREVENTION AND POLICY 2020; 15:23. [PMID: 32188457 PMCID: PMC7081525 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-020-00265-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Background Sustainability of methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) program involves regularly assessing its impact on health and social outcomes of drug users in different settings, particularly in disadvantaged areas. In this study, we evaluated the change in quality of life (QoL), and identified associated factors amongst drug users over the course of 12-month MMT in Vietnamese mountainous provinces. Methods We conducted a longitudinal study among patients from 6 MMT clinics in three mountainous provinces of Vietnam. At baseline, we screened 300 participants and after a 12-month treatment, 244 participants remained to involve in the study. World Health Organization Quality of Life short form instrument (WHOQOL-BREF) was used to measure the QoL of patients. The magnitude of the changes was extrapolated. Results There were significant changes in all four dimensions of quality of life measured by WHOQoL-BREF between baseline and 12 months with the effect size ranged from 0.21 to 0.24. Increased age, being workers compared to unemployment and having health problems or comorbidities were positively related to reduced scores of QoL. Conclusions To conclude, we observed a significant increase in the QoL level regarding physical, psychological, social relationships and environmental aspects among people who used drug after 12 months of MMT. Findings from this study emphasize the role of continuously receiving MMT treatment among people using drugs to enhance their QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bach Xuan Tran
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, No. 1 Ton That Tung Street, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam. .,Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Mackenzie Moir
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1C9, Canada
| | - Tam Minh Thi Nguyen
- Vietnam Authority of HIV/AIDS Control, Ministry of Health, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
| | - Ha Ngoc Do
- Youth Research Institute, Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
| | - Giang Thu Vu
- Center of Excellence in Evidence-based Medicine, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam
| | - Anh Kim Dang
- Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000, Vietnam
| | - Giang Hai Ha
- Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000, Vietnam
| | - Trang Huyen Thi Nguyen
- Center of Excellence in Pharmacoeconomics and Management, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam
| | - Hoang Quan Vuong
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Social Research, Phenikaa University, Yen Nghia, Ha Dong, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
| | - Tung Manh Ho
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Social Research, Phenikaa University, Yen Nghia, Ha Dong, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
| | - Nhue Van Dam
- National Economics University, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
| | | | - Carl A Latkin
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Cyrus S H Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
| | - Roger C M Ho
- Center of Excellence in Behavioral Medicine, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, 700000, Vietnam.,Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228, Singapore.,Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119077, Singapore
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11
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Le TA, Pham DTT, Quek TTC, Vu GT, Hoang CL, Tran TT, Nguyen CT, Tran NHT, Vuong QH, Tran TH, Tran BX, Latkin CA, Ho CSH, Ho RCM. Polysubstance Use among Patients Enrolling in Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program in a Vietnam Province with Drug-Driven HIV Epidemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16183277. [PMID: 31500107 PMCID: PMC6765943 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16183277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) has been scaled up significantly in recent years. This study aimed to investigate the pattern of polysubstance use in 395 MMT patients and its contextualized associated factors. A cross-sectional study was performed in three outpatient MMT clinics in Nam Dinh Province. Multivariate Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with polysubstance use status. The mean MMT duration and the current MMT dose was 3.3 years and 69.2 mg, respectively. Among participants, 24.8% reported daily alcohol use, 68.6% smoked regularly, and 6% used illicit drugs. Peer pressure and MMT suboptimal adherence were found to associate with continual usage of drugs (47.8%). Participants who lived with a spouse/partner, were self-employed, and smoked were more likely to drink alcohol. Those who drink were also more likely to smoke, and vice versa. Recommendations for policymakers include community-based education and promotional programs aiming to decrease substance usage in the community as well as encouraging and supporting the private health sector in establishing private MMT services and clinics. Further longitudinal studies on polysubstance usage among MMT patients should also be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuan Anh Le
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
| | - Duyen T T Pham
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
| | - Travis T C Quek
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore.
| | - Giang Thu Vu
- Center of Excellence in Evidence-Based Medicine, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam.
| | - Chi Linh Hoang
- Center of Excellence in Behavior Medicine, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam.
| | - Tung Thanh Tran
- Center of Excellence in Evidence-Based Medicine, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam.
| | - Cuong Tat Nguyen
- Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam.
| | | | - Quan Hoang Vuong
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Social Research, Phenikaa University, Yen Nghia, Ha Dong, Hanoi 100803, Vietnam.
- Faculty of Economics and Finance, Phenikaa University, Yen Nghia, Ha Dong 100803, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| | - Tung Hoang Tran
- Institute of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Vietnam-Germany Hospital, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
| | - Bach Xuan Tran
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Carl A Latkin
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Cyrus S H Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore 119074, Singapore.
| | - Roger C M Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore.
- Center of Excellence in Behavior Medicine, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam.
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore.
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12
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Struggling to achieve a 'normal life': A qualitative study of Vietnamese methadone patients. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 68:18-26. [PMID: 30978641 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methadone maintenance treatment, initially introduced in Vietnam for HIV harm reduction, has marked a significant switch in the country's drug policy - from addiction as a moral issue to addiction as a brain disease. After the some initial outstanding achievements, the programme is facing a high dropout rate that threatens both goals of HIV prevention and drug treatment. This sociological study, as part of an HIV intervention research project, explores the challenges and opportunities that individuals who use drugs are faced with in relation to addiction treatment. METHODS A qualitative study among drug users with and without methadone maintenance treatment experiences recruited by peer outreach workers. We conducted 58 in-depth interviews and 2 focus groups between 2016 and 2017. RESULTS The start of treatment brought about significant feelings of success as heroin use was no longer compulsive. However, being in treatment programmes is also challenging with respect to continuing the recovery process. Barriers to retention include a popular fear of methadone as another harmful drug, a feeling of dependence related to the current practices of methadone treatment programmes and a poor therapeutic relationship. In the face of such challenges, the two major motivations that keep patients in care come from the desire to completely break up with heroin and the pursuit of family happiness. CONCLUSION The current practices of methadone programmes pose challenges to patients' recovery efforts from addiction and threaten treatment retention. Prompt interventions are needed to help Vietnam attain its objective of providing better care for larger vulnerable populations.
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13
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Tran BX, Mai HT, Fleming M, Do HN, Nguyen TMT, Vuong QH, Ho MT, Van Dam N, Vuong TT, Ha GH, Truong NT, Latkin CA, Ho CSH, Ho RCM. Factors Associated with Substance Use and Sexual Behavior among Drug Users in Three Mountainous Provinces of Vietnam. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15091885. [PMID: 30200283 PMCID: PMC6165320 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15091885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Due to their geographical characteristics, the mountainous areas of Vietnam are particularly vulnerable to illicit drug use. Drug users in remote areas are also more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors. This study aimed to describe the prevalence and characteristics of substance use and sexual behaviors and explored their related factors among newly admitted drug users in three mountainous provinces of Vietnam. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 newly-admitted drug users registering for Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) at 6 clinics in three provinces: Dien Bien, Lai Chau and Yen Bai from October 2014 to December 2015. Information about the socio-demographic characteristics, history of substance use, and sexual behaviors were collected. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify potential predictors of four outcomes, which included: drug injection, re-use of needles, using condoms during the last time of having sex, and having sexual intercourse with female sex workers. The proportion of injecting drug users was 68.3%; of those 9% never re-used needles. Of note, 69% of those who reported having sex with female sex workers in the last month did not use condoms. Regression models showed that those who injected drugs and had health problems in last 30 days had greater odds of having sex with female sex workers. Drug users in mountainous settings acknowledged the high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related risk behaviors and a demand for physical and psychological care. Scaling up MMT services is key to approaching this high-risk group; however, at the same time, comprehensive harm-reduction interventions, counseling, and health care services should also be made accessible and effective in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bach Xuan Tran
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
- Vietnam Young Physician Association, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
| | - Hue Thi Mai
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
| | - Mercedes Fleming
- School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Ha Ngoc Do
- Youth Research Institute, Vietnam (YRI)-Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
| | - Tam Minh Thi Nguyen
- Vietnam Authority of HIV/AIDS Control, Ministry of Health, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
| | - Quan Hoang Vuong
- Center for Interdisciplinary Social Research, Thanh Tay University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
- Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management, Centre Emile Bernheim, Université Libre de Bruxelles, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Manh Tung Ho
- Institute of Philosophy, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
| | - Nhue Van Dam
- Faculty of Graduate Studies, National Economics University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam.
| | | | - Giang Hai Ha
- Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam.
| | - Nu Thi Truong
- Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam.
| | - Carl A Latkin
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Cyrus S H Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore 119074, Singapore.
| | - Roger C M Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore 119228, Singapore.
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14
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Robertson FC, Lepard JR, Mekary RA, Davis MC, Yunusa I, Gormley WB, Baticulon RE, Mahmud MR, Misra BK, Rattani A, Dewan MC, Park KB. Epidemiology of central nervous system infectious diseases: a meta-analysis and systematic review with implications for neurosurgeons worldwide. J Neurosurg 2018:1-20. [PMID: 29905514 DOI: 10.3171/2017.10.jns17359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVECentral nervous system (CNS) infections cause significant morbidity and mortality and often require neurosurgical intervention for proper diagnosis and treatment. However, neither the international burden of CNS infection, nor the current capacity of the neurosurgical workforce to treat these diseases is well characterized. The objective of this study was to elucidate the global incidence of surgically relevant CNS infection, highlighting geographic areas for targeted improvement in neurosurgical capacity.METHODSA systematic literature review and meta-analysis were performed to capture studies published between 1990 and 2016. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched using variations of terms relating to CNS infection and epidemiology (incidence, prevalence, burden, case fatality, etc.). To deliver a geographic breakdown of disease, results were pooled using the random-effects model and stratified by WHO region and national income status for the different CNS infection types.RESULTSThe search yielded 10,906 studies, 154 of which were used in the final qualitative analysis. A meta-analysis was performed to compute disease incidence by using data extracted from 71 of the 154 studies. The remaining 83 studies were excluded from the quantitative analysis because they did not report incidence. A total of 508,078 cases of CNS infections across all studies were included, with a total sample size of 130,681,681 individuals. Mean patient age was 35.8 years (range: newborn to 95 years), and the male/female ratio was 1:1.74. Among the 71 studies with incidence data, 39 were based in high-income countries, 25 in middle-income countries, and 7 in low-income countries. The pooled incidence of studied CNS infections was consistently highest in low-income countries, followed by middle- and then high-income countries. Regarding WHO regions, Africa had the highest pooled incidence of bacterial meningitis (65 cases/100,000 people), neurocysticercosis (650/100,000), and tuberculous spondylodiscitis (55/100,000), whereas Southeast Asia had the highest pooled incidence of intracranial abscess (49/100,000), and Europe had the highest pooled incidence of nontuberculous vertebral spondylodiscitis (5/100,000). Overall, few articles reported data on deaths associated with infection. The limited case fatality data revealed the highest case fatality for tuberculous meningitis/spondylodiscitis (21.1%) and the lowest for neurocysticercosis (5.5%). In all five disease categories, funnel plots assessing for publication bias were asymmetrical and suggested that the results may underestimate the incidence of disease.CONCLUSIONSThis systematic review and meta-analysis approximates the global incidence of neurosurgically relevant infectious diseases. These results underscore the disproportionate burden of CNS infections in the developing world, where there is a tremendous demand to provide training and resources for high-quality neurosurgical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faith C Robertson
- 1Harvard Medical School.,2Computational Neuroscience Outcomes Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jacob R Lepard
- 3Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Rania A Mekary
- 2Computational Neuroscience Outcomes Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Boston, Massachusetts.,4MCPHS University, Department of Pharmaceutical Business and Administrative Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Boston
| | - Matthew C Davis
- 3Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Ismaeel Yunusa
- 2Computational Neuroscience Outcomes Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Boston, Massachusetts.,4MCPHS University, Department of Pharmaceutical Business and Administrative Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Boston
| | - William B Gormley
- 1Harvard Medical School.,2Computational Neuroscience Outcomes Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Boston, Massachusetts.,5Department of Neurological Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ronnie E Baticulon
- 6University of the Philippines College of Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Muhammad Raji Mahmud
- 7Department of Surgery, National Hospital Abuja, PMB 425, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
| | - Basant K Misra
- 8Department of Neurosurgery & Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, P. D. Hinduja National Hospital, Mahim, Mumbai, India
| | - Abbas Rattani
- 9Meharry Medical College, School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee.,10Global Neurosurgery Initiative, Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - Michael C Dewan
- 10Global Neurosurgery Initiative, Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; and.,11Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Kee B Park
- 10Global Neurosurgery Initiative, Program in Global Surgery and Social Change, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; and
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15
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Tran BX, Boggiano VL, Thi Nguyen HL, Nguyen LH, Nguyen HV, Hoang CD, Le HT, Tran TD, Le HQ, Latkin CA, Thi Vu TM, Zhang MW, Ho RC. Concurrent drug use among methadone maintenance patients in mountainous areas in northern Vietnam. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e015875. [PMID: 29567839 PMCID: PMC5875670 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-015875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES With the rise in methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) for drug users in Vietnam, there has been growing interest in understanding if and how often MMT patients engage in concurrent illicit drug use while on methadone therapy in various settings. This study examined factors associated with concurrent opioid use among patients on MMT in a mountainous area in Vietnam. SETTING One urban and one rural MMT clinics in Tuyen Quang province. PARTICIPANTS Survey participants consisted of patients who were taking MMT at the selected study sites. A convenience sampling approach was used to recruit the participants. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Participants were asked a series of questions about their socioeconomic status, current alcohol and tobacco use, health problems (measured by the EuroQol-Five Dimension-Five Level instrument), psychological distress (measured by Kessler score), and factors associated with current and/or previous drug use. Regression models were used to determine factors associated with concurrent drug use among MMT patients. RESULTS Among the 241 male MMT patients included in the study, 13.4% reported concurrent opioid use. On average, the longer patients had been enrolled in MMT, the less likely they were to concurrently use drugs. Conversely, patients with higher levels of psychological distress were more likely to engage in concurrent drug use while on MMT. CONCLUSION Longer duration of MMT was significantly correlated with reduced illicit drug use among participants. Higher levels of psychological distress were associated with increased use of illicit drugs among MMT patients. Regardless of distance, long-term MMT is still effective and should be expanded in mountainous areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bach Xuan Tran
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Victoria L Boggiano
- Berkeley School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | | | - Long Hoang Nguyen
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Hung Van Nguyen
- Authority of HIV/AIDS Control, Ministry of Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Canh Dinh Hoang
- Authority of HIV/AIDS Control, Ministry of Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Huong Thi Le
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Tho Dinh Tran
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Vietnam-Germany Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Hai Quan Le
- Provincial AIDS Center, Department of Health, Tuyen Quang, Vietnam
| | - Carl A Latkin
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Thuc Minh Thi Vu
- Center for Research and Training, Tam Anh Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Melvyn Wb Zhang
- Biomedical Global Institute of Healthcare Research & Technology (BIGHEART), National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Roger Cm Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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16
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Lin C, Tuan NA, Li L. Commune Health Workers' Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) Knowledge and Perceived Difficulties Providing Decentralized MMT Services in Vietnam. Subst Use Misuse 2018; 53:194-199. [PMID: 28704128 PMCID: PMC5758416 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2017.1310248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the initial establishment of countrywide methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) system, Vietnam is in the process of expanding and decentralizing the MMT program to community-based healthcare settings. OBJECTIVE The study aimed to measure the MMT-related knowledge and perceived difficulties in treating patient who use drugs (PWUD) among community-based healthcare providers, e.g., commune health workers (CHW), and examine its correlated factors. METHODS A total of 300 CHW from 60 communes in two provinces of Vietnam completed a survey using Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interview (ACASI) method. Twelve true-or-false questions were used to assess the CHW's MMT-related knowledge. The CHW's background characteristics and perceived difficulties treating PWUD were recorded. RESULTS The mean MMT knowledge score was 8.2 (SD = 1.2; range: 5-11). Misconceptions toward the benefits, procedure, and side effects of MMT were prevalent. The participants perceived varying degrees of difficulties in recruiting, engaging, and communicating with PWUD. With all covariates holding constant, younger age (standardized ẞ = -0.166; p = 0.0078) was associated with less MMT-related knowledge. Number of PWUD seen in a month and MMT-related knowledge was associated with less perceived difficulties treating PWUD. Conclusions/importance: The finding shed lights on the CHW's knowledge gap, which need to be addressed to facilitate the decentralization of MMT services in Vietnam. In preparation for a decentralized MMT service delivery model, specially designed training is warranted to equip CHW with knowledge and confidence to provide MMT-related services to PWUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunqing Lin
- a Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Center for Community Health , University of California , Los Angeles , California , USA
| | - Nguyen Anh Tuan
- b National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology , Hanoi , Vietnam
| | - Li Li
- a Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Center for Community Health , University of California , Los Angeles , California , USA
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The impact of HCV therapy in a high HIV-HCV prevalence population: A modeling study on people who inject drugs in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177195. [PMID: 28493917 PMCID: PMC5426709 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) coinfection is a major global health problem especially among people who inject drugs (PWID), with significant clinical implications. Mathematical models have been used to great effect to shape HIV care, but few have been proposed for HIV/HCV. METHODS We constructed a deterministic compartmental ODE model that incorporated layers for HIV disease progression, HCV disease progression and PWID demography. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) and Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT) scale-ups were modeled as from 2016 and projected forward 10 years. HCV treatment roll-out was modeled beginning in 2026, after a variety of MMT scale-up scenarios, and projected forward 10 years. RESULTS Our results indicate that scale-up of ART has a major impact on HIV though not on HCV burden. MMT scale-up has an impact on incidence of both infections. HCV treatment roll-out has a measurable impact on reductions of deaths, increasing multifold the mortality reductions afforded by just ART/MMT scale-ups. CONCLUSION HCV treatment roll-out can have major and long-lasting effects on averting PWID deaths on top of those averted by ART/MMT scale-up. Efficient intervention scale-up of HCV alongside HIV interventions is critical in Vietnam.
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18
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Windle J. A Slow March from Social Evil to Harm Reduction: Drugs and Drug Policy in Vietnam. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/jdpa-2015-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe suppression of drug consumption and trade is high on the Government of Vietnam’s agenda. To accomplish this goal, Vietnam employs repressive policies that often contravene international human rights law. Among the most detrimental and problematic policies are the incarceration of drug users in compulsory treatment centers, and the stigmatization and abuse of consumers by the police. Vietnamese drug policy is, however, slowly changing in the face of one of Asia’s worst ongoing HIV epidemics. While the Communist Government of the early-1990s designated illicit drugs as a “social evil” to be eradicated through punitive and often repressive means, the recent implementation of harm reduction approaches have reduced the level of needle sharing, and thus HIV transmission. This briefing will explore the current trends in drug consumption, production, and trafficking before looking at the key harms and threats associated with drugs in Vietnam. This will be followed by a summary of Vietnam’s drug policies, including the country’s approach to drug treatment, harm reduction, and illicit opium suppression: Vietnam is one of a small number of states to have suppressed illicit opium production, an intervention that centred upon coercive negotiations with limited alternative development. The briefing will conclude with some tentative recommendations for reform and thoughts on what could be expected from Vietnam during the Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly on the World Drug Problem (UNGASS 2016).
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19
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Nguyen Bich D, Korthuis PT, Nguyen Thu T, Van Dinh H, Le Minh G. HIV Patients' Preference for Integrated Models of Addiction and HIV Treatment in Vietnam. J Subst Abuse Treat 2016; 69:57-63. [PMID: 27568511 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2016.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Integrated care models for HIV and substance use disorder (SUD) care are proposed as a strategy for closing gaps in the HIV care continuum and decreasing HIV transmission. We examined attitudes regarding integration of HIV and SUD treatment among HIV-infected patients with illicit drug and unhealthy alcohol use. METHOD We conducted a cross-sectional survey of HIV-infected patients receiving care at 5 HIV clinics in Hanoi, Vietnam, regarding substance use and attitudes toward HIV and SUD treatment integration. We used multivariate logistic regression to identify correlates of integrated care preference. RESULT Among 312 participants with current or past illicit drug use or unhealthy alcohol use, 81.4% preferred integrated treatment for HIV and SUD. In multivariate analysis, completing a college education (aOR 0.22, 95% CI 0.08, 0.65), risk of depression (aOR 3.51, 95% CI 1.57, 7.87), ever having received medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder (aOR 4.20, 95% CI 1.65, 10.69), being comfortable discussing substance use with counselors/nurses (aOR 3.86, 95% CI 1.38, 10.81) and having discussed alcohol use with their health providers (aOR 2.34, 95% CI 1.09, 4.99) were associated with patients' preference for integrated care, after adjusting for age and gender. CONCLUSION Most, but not all, HIV-infected patients with substance use preferred integrated HIV and SUD treatment. Our findings suggest that policies to expand integration of HIV and SUD treatment will be well received by most patients, and that stand-alone treatment options should be preserved for a significant minority.
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20
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Khuat OTH, Morrow M, Nguyen TNN, Armstrong G. Social context, diversity and risk among women who inject drugs in Vietnam: descriptive findings from a cross-sectional survey. Harm Reduct J 2015; 12:35. [PMID: 26472467 PMCID: PMC4608123 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-015-0067-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Women who inject drugs (WWID) are neglected globally in research and programming yet may be likelier than males to practise sexual and injecting risks and be infected with HIV and more stigmatised but seek fewer services. Little is known about characteristics, practices and nexus between drugs and sex work of WWID in Vietnam, where unsafe injecting has driven HIV transmission, and commercial sex and inconsistent condom use are prevalent. This was the first quantitative investigation of Vietnamese WWID recruited as injecting drug users. This article summarises descriptive findings. Findings A cross-sectional survey was conducted among WWID in Hanoi (n = 203) and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) (n = 200) recruited using respondent-driven sampling. Characteristics varied within and between sites. Twenty-two percent in Hanoi and 47.5 % in HCMC had never sold sex. Almost all commenced with smoking heroin, some as children. Most injected frequently, usually alone, although 8 % (Hanoi) and 18 % (HCMC) shared equipment in the previous month. Some had sex—and sold it—as children; most had multiple partners. Condom use was high with clients but very low with intimate partners, often injecting drug users. HIV knowledge was uneven, and large minorities were not tested recently (or ever) for HIV. Nearly all perceived intense gender-related stigma, especially for drug use. Conclusion This ground-breaking study challenges assumptions about characteristics and risks based on anecdotal evidence and studies among men. Most WWID were vulnerable to sexual HIV transmission from intimate partners. Interventions should incorporate broader sociocultural context to protect this highly stigmatised population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oanh T H Khuat
- Center for Supporting Community Development Initiatives (SCDI), Hanoi, Vietnam.
| | - Martha Morrow
- Centre for Mental Health, University of Melbourne, 3010, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Trang N N Nguyen
- Center for Promotion of Quality of Life (Life Center), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
| | - Gregory Armstrong
- Centre for Mental Health, University of Melbourne, 3010, Victoria, Australia.
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Hoang TV, Ha TTT, Hoang TM, Nhu NT, Quoc NC, Tam NTM, Mills S. Impact of a methadone maintenance therapy pilot in Vietnam and its role in a scaled-up response. Harm Reduct J 2015; 12:39. [PMID: 26471235 PMCID: PMC4608299 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-015-0075-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a dual response to the HIV epidemic and the high level of injecting drug use in Vietnam, the Ministry of Health (MOH) initiated a pilot methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) program in Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) in early 2009. The objectives of the pilot were to provide evidence on whether MMT could be successfully implemented in Vietnam and scaled up to other localities. METHODS A prospective study was conducted among 965 opiate drug users admitted to the pilot. Data on demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, substance use behaviors (including heroin use), and blood-borne virus infection (HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C) were collected at treatment initiation and then again at 3-, 6-, 9-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month intervals thereafter. RESULTS Twenty-four months after treatment initiation, heroin use as measured by urine test or self-report had reduced from 100 % of participants at both sites to 14.6 % in Hai Phong and 22.9 % in HCMC. When adjusted for multiple factors in Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) logistic regression modeling, independent predictors of continued heroin use after 24 months of MMT in HCMC were the following: poor methadone adherence (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.7, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.8-7.8); currently on antiretroviral treatment (ART) (AOR = 1.8, 95 % CI 1.4-2.4); currently on TB treatment (AOR = 2.2, 95 % CI 1.4-3.4); currently experiencing family conflict (AOR = 1.6, 95 % CI 1.1-2.4); and currently employed (AOR = 0.8, 95 % CI 0.6-1.0). For Hai Phong participants, predictors were the following: currently on ART (AOR = 2.0, 95 % CI = 1.4-3.0); currently experiencing family conflict (AOR = 2.0, 95 % CI = 1.0-3.9); and moderate adherence to methadone (AOR = 2.1, 95 % CI = 1.2-1.9). In Hai Phong, the percentage of participants who were employed had also increased by end of study from 35.0 to 52.8 %, while in HCMC the level remained relatively unchanged, between 52.2 and 55.1 %. DISCUSSION Study findings were used in multiple fora to convince policymakers and the public on the significant and vital role MMT can play in reducing heroin use and improving quality of life for individuals and families. Four years after this study was completed, Vietnam had expanded MMT to 162 clinics in 44 provinces serving 32,000 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tran Vu Hoang
- Partners in Health Research, 47 Yen Phu Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| | - Tran Thi Thanh Ha
- FHI 360, 7th floor, Hanoi Tourist Building, 8 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| | - Tran Minh Hoang
- Hanoi Medical University, No. 1, Ton That Tung Street, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| | - Nguyen To Nhu
- FHI 360, 7th floor, Hanoi Tourist Building, 8 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| | - Nguyen Cuong Quoc
- FHI 360, 7th floor, Hanoi Tourist Building, 8 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| | - Nguyen thi Minh Tam
- Vietnam Administration for AIDS Control, Vietnam Ministry of Health, 5th floor, 138a Giang Vo Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| | - Stephen Mills
- FHI 360, 19th Floor, Sindhorn Building, Wittayu Road, Bangkok, Thailand.
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Prevalence and correlates of HCV monoinfection and HIV and HCV coinfection among persons who inject drugs in Vietnam. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2015; 27:550-6. [PMID: 25769097 PMCID: PMC4380662 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000000321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vietnam bears a high burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV infection among persons who inject drugs (PWID). The high prevalence of HCV and HIV occurs in a context of stigma and limited preventive interventions for PWID. OBJECTIVES This study aims to estimate the prevalence of HCV, HIV, and HIV/HCV coinfection among PWID and to explore their associations with lifetime injection behaviors. METHODS A total of 1434 PWID were recruited from the Thai Nguyen Province of Vietnam between 2005 and 2007. Participants responded to a structured questionnaire and provided blood samples at baseline. A cross-sectional analysis of data collected at baseline was carried out. Factors associated with HCV monoinfection and HIV/HCV coinfection were evaluated by multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS The prevalences of HIV and HCV were 35.1 and 88.8%, respectively, and the prevalences of HIV/HCV coinfection and HCV monoinfection were 34.8 and 53.9%, respectively. After adjusting for confounders in multivariate analysis, ever reusing a syringe and needle was found to be significantly associated with HIV monoinfection [adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 3.13; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.99-4.94] and HIV/HCV coinfection (AOR, 3.34; 95% CI, 2.02-5.51). Ever sharing diazepam or novocaine was also found to be significantly associated with HIV monoinfection (AOR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.38-3.32) and HIV/HCV coinfection (AOR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.57-3.90). CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate a high burden of HIV and HCV infection among PWID in Vietnam. Lifetime injection behaviors, including sharing of diazepam or novocaine, may account for the high prevalence of HIV and HCV. Improving prevention and ensuring access to care remain critically important for this vulnerable population.
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Le LVN, Nguyen TA, Tran HV, Gupta N, Duong TC, Tran HTT, Nadol P, Sabin K, Maher L, Kaldor JM. Correlates of HIV infection among female sex workers in Vietnam: injection drug use remains a key risk factor. Drug Alcohol Depend 2015; 150:46-53. [PMID: 25765480 PMCID: PMC10774074 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Revised: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Women who sell sex and use drugs have dual risks for HIV infection. Despite increasing reports of drug use among female sex workers (FSW) in Vietnam, FSW HIV interventions remain focused mainly on sexual risk reduction. We assessed the impact of drug use and inconsistent condom use on HIV infection among FSW in Vietnam, which few studies have quantified. METHODS We surveyed 5298 women aged ≥18 years who had sold sex in the past month from ten geographically dispersed provinces. We performed multivariate logistic regression on data from provinces with high (≥10%) or low (<10%) HIV prevalence among FSW. RESULTS Compared to FSW who never used illicit drugs, the odds of HIV infection among FSW who had ever injected drugs and those who reported non-injection drug use were 3.44 (CI 2.32-5.09) and 1.76 (CI 1.14-2.71), respectively, in high-prevalence provinces. FSW who always used condoms with clients had lower odds of HIV infection than those who did not (AOR=0.71; CI 0.52-0.98). In low-prevalence provinces lifetime injection drug use (AOR 22.05, CI 12.00-40.49), but not non-injecting drug use or inconsistent condom use, was significantly associated with HIV infection. CONCLUSIONS Because injection drug use and inconsistent condom use were key risk factors for HIV infection in high-prevalence provinces, drug injection risk reduction should be as much a focus of HIV prevention as sexual risk reduction. Where HIV prevalence remains low in FSW, a more general emphasis on harm reduction for all drug users will benefit FSW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linh-Vi N Le
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Vietnam; Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW, Australia.
| | - Tuan A Nguyen
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Vietnam
| | | | - Nisha Gupta
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Vietnam
| | - Thanh C Duong
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Vietnam
| | | | - Patrick Nadol
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Vietnam
| | - Keith Sabin
- World Health Organization, Vietnam, currently UN Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Maher
- Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW, Australia
| | - John M Kaldor
- Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW, Australia
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Goldsamt LA, Clatts MC, Le G, Yu G. Injection and sexual risk practices among young heroin users in Hanoi, Vietnam. DRUGS (ABINGDON, ENGLAND) 2015; 22:166-172. [PMID: 25995608 PMCID: PMC4435536 DOI: 10.3109/09687637.2014.979765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological data in Vietnam shows high HIV prevalence rates among injection drug users, especially in urban centres. However, there are limited data on specific practices used to prepare and inject drugs or on sexual practices among Vietnamese injectors. A street-based cross-sectional interview was conducted with 862 heroin injectors in Hanoi, Vietnam, to collect such data. Variability was seen in both injection and sexual risk, with 12.9% of current injectors reporting at least one unsafe method of drug sharing and 57.1% reporting unsafe sex in the past 30 days. These risks were strongly associated with those who engaged in unsafe injection significantly more likely to engage in unsafe sex (69.4% vs. 55.3%) and those engaging in unsafe sex significantly more likely to engage in unsafe injection (15.7% vs. 9.2%). These findings highlight the overlap of injection and sexual risk practices among Vietnamese heroin users and suggest the need for strong, broadly targeted HIV prevention activities among this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael C. Clatts
- School of Public Health, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Giang Le
- Center for Research and Training on HIV/AIDS, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Gary Yu
- College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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Nguyen HT, Tran AV, Nguyen NB, Nguyen SH, Vu DB, Nguyen NT, Brookmeyer RS, Detels R. Community Mobilization to Reduce Drug Use, Quang Ninh, Vietnam. Am J Public Health 2015; 105:189-195. [PMID: 25393171 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2014.302101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. We implemented an intervention to reduce drug use in an urban commune in northern Vietnam. Methods. We encouraged the intervention commune to accept responsibility for developing their own intervention strategies based on a community mobilization model used in southern, rural China. We selected a comparison commune, which had demographic characteristics and a drug history similar to the intervention commune. The 2-year incidence of new drug users was estimated retrospectively in the intervention and comparison communes between baseline (2003) and follow-up (2009). Results. Increased incidence of new (noninjecting) drug users between 2003 and 2009 in the intervention commune was lower than that in the comparison commune, and these participants expressed more positive attitudes toward local authority and people with drug use and HIV/AIDS. Increased condom use during last intercourse with female sex workers and with female casual partners was observed in the intervention commune. HIV prevalence and positive opioid tests decreased more in the intervention commune. Conclusions. Our results suggested that the community mobilization had a positive influence in the intervention commune.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hien Tran Nguyen
- Roger Detels and Ronald S. Brookmeyer are with the Fielding School of Public Health, University of California-Los Angeles. Hien Tran Nguyen, Nguyen Binh Nguyen, and Diep Bich Vu are with the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Vietnam. Anh Viet Tran and Son Hong Nguyen are with the Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi. Nhu To Nguyen is with the Family Health International 360, Hanoi
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Ahmed T, Long NT, Huong PTT, Stewart DE. HIV and Injecting Drug Users in Vietnam: An Overview of Policies and Responses. WORLD MEDICAL & HEALTH POLICY 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/wmh3.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Jordan MR, Obeng-Aduasare Y, Sheehan H, Hong SY, Terrin N, Duong DV, Trung NV, Wanke C, Kinh NV, Tang AM. Correlates of non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy in a cohort of HIV-positive drug users receiving antiretroviral therapy in Hanoi, Vietnam. Int J STD AIDS 2013; 25:662-668. [PMID: 24352130 DOI: 10.1177/0956462413516301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The HIV epidemic in Vietnam is concentrated, with high prevalence estimates among injection drug users and commercial sex workers. Socio-demographics, substance use and clinical correlates of antiretroviral therapy non-adherence were studied in 100 HIV-1 infected drug users receiving antiretroviral therapy for at least 6 months in Hanoi, Vietnam. All study participants were men with a mean age of 29.9 ± 4.9 years. The median duration on antiretroviral therapy was 16.2 ± 12.7 months; 83% reported 'very good' or 'perfect' adherence in the past 30 days on a subjective one-item Likert scale at time of study enrollment; 48% of participants reported drug use within the previous 6 months, with 22% reporting current drug use. Injection drug use with or without non-injection drug use in the past 6 months (95% C.I. 2.19, 1.30-3.69) and years on antiretroviral therapy (95% C.I. 1.43, 1.14-1.78) were correlated with suboptimal adherence. These findings support Vietnam's ongoing scale-up of harm reduction programmes for injection drug users and their integration with antiretroviral therapy delivery. Moreover, results highlight the need to identify and implement new ways to support high levels of antiretroviral therapy adherence as duration on antiretroviral therapy increases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Jordan
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, USA.,Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | | | | | - S Y Hong
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, USA.,Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - N Terrin
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - D V Duong
- National Hospital of Tropical Diseases, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - N V Trung
- National Hospital of Tropical Diseases, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - C Wanke
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, USA.,Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - N V Kinh
- National Hospital of Tropical Diseases, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - A M Tang
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, USA
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28
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Abstract
Drawing from published and gray literature, this manuscript focuses on the following topics: (1) changing patterns of substance use and abuse in Vietnam since the early 1990s; (2) the roles of substance use in the HIV epidemic; (3) the responses of the Vietnamese government and other entities (both domestic and international) to substance use disorders (SUDs) and HIV; and (4) the current research capacity in Vietnam and ways in which furthering research in Vietnam could enrich our knowledge of the linkages between SUDs and HIV and of effective measures to reduce their public health consequences. A growing number of studies during the past two decades show dynamic and still evolving twin epidemics of SUDs and HIV in Vietnam, including a shift from consumption of opium to heroin and amphetamine-type stimulants, the concurrent use of drugs, and the increasing embrace by the government of internationally recognized effective responses (including harm reduction and methadone substitution therapy). And yet, remaining issues, such as the rapid ascendance of amphetamine-type stimulant use among the country's most vulnerable populations, the lack of effective integration of SUD and HIV services for HIV-infected drug users, and the reliance on international resources for maintaining quality services, among others, are posing challenges for building sustainable Vietnamese responses. Therefore, building local research and training capacity is a crucial foundation to meet these challenges.
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Hayes-Larson E, Grau LE, Khoshnood K, Barbour R, Khuat OTH, Heimer R. Drug users in Hanoi, Vietnam: factors associated with membership in community-based drug user groups. Harm Reduct J 2013; 10:33. [PMID: 24268108 PMCID: PMC4176489 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7517-10-33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2013] [Accepted: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A syndemic conjoins injection drug use, incarceration, and HIV in Vietnam, where there is a need for programs that empower people who use drugs to minimize the harms thereby produced. Here we present a post-hoc evaluation of the organizing efforts of the Centre for Supporting Community Development Initiatives (SCDI) with two community-based drug user groups (CBGs) in Hanoi. Methods Members (n = 188) of the CBGs were compared to non-member peers (n = 184) on demographic, psychosocial, behavioral and knowledge variables using a face-to-face structured interview that focused on issues of quality of life and harm reduction. Bivariate analyses were conducted, and variables significantly associated with membership at p < 0.10 were included in a multivariate model. Results Variables associated with membership in the CBGs in the multivariate model included increased self-efficacy to get drug-related health care (OR 1.59, 1.24-2.04), increased quality of life in the psychological (OR 2.04, 1.07-3.93) and environmental (OR 2.54, 1.31-4.93) domains, and greater history of interactions with police about drugs (OR 3.15, 1.79-5.52). There was little difference between members and non-members on injection-related harms except in the domain of knowledge about opioid overdose. Among the 114 current injectors (30.6% of the sample), low rates of unsafe injection practices were reported, and low statistical power limited the ability to conclusively assess association with membership. Conclusions Although the CBG members displayed higher levels of well-being and access to healthcare than non-members, further longitudinal study is required to determine if these are a result of membership. The CBGs should pay more attention towards meeting challenges in responding to specific health issues of those who continue to use drugs including HIV, hepatitis, and drug overdose.
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Li L, Hien NT, Lin C, Tuan NA, Tuan LA, Farmer SC, Detels R. An intervention to improve mental health and family well-being of injecting drug users and family members in Vietnam. PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS 2013; 28:607-13. [PMID: 24079647 DOI: 10.1037/a0033926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Family plays an important role in the lives of injecting drug users (IDUs) in Vietnam. This study examined the preliminary outcomes of an intervention targeting IDUs and their family members in Vietnam. Eighty-three families, including 83 IDUs and 83 family members, were recruited from 4 communes in Phú Tḥo Province, Vietnam. The 4 communes were randomized to either an intervention condition or a standard care condition. The IDUs and their family members in the intervention condition completed 4 group sessions, with the aims to improve their mental health and family relations and to promote positive behavioral change. The intervention effect was evaluated at baseline and 3- and 6-month follow-up assessments. A significant reduction in depressive symptoms and improvement in family functioning were reported for IDUs in the intervention group compared with those in the standard care group. The family members in the intervention group reported better coping skills at 3 months, fewer depressive symptoms at 6 months, and improved family function at both 3 and 6 months compared with those in the standard care group. However, no significant intervention effect was observed for IDUs in terms of drug-using behavior. This study demonstrates the feasibility and preliminary outcomes of an intervention that simultaneously targets IDUs and their family members in Vietnam. Study findings highlight the importance of including family members and enhancing their role in drug use intervention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Center for Community Health, University of California
| | | | - Chunqing Lin
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Center for Community Health, University of California
| | | | - Le Anh Tuan
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology
| | - Shu C Farmer
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Center for Community Health, University of California
| | - Roger Detels
- School of Public Health, University of California
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Li L, Tuan NA, Liang LJ, Lin C, Farmer SC, Flore M. Mental health and family relations among people who inject drugs and their family members in Vietnam. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2013; 24:545-9. [PMID: 23910167 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2013.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2013] [Revised: 06/18/2013] [Accepted: 06/19/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This article explores the association of people who inject drugs and their family members in terms of mental health and family relations. The objective was to understand the family context and its impact on people who inject drugs in a family-oriented culture in Vietnam. METHODS Cross-sectional assessment data were gathered from 83 people who inject drugs and 83 of their family members recruited from four communes in Phú Thọ province, Vietnam. Depressive symptoms and family relations were measured for both people who inject drugs and family members. Internalized shame and drug-using behavior were reported by people who inject drugs, and caregiver burden was reported by family members. RESULTS We found that higher level of drug using behavior of people who inject drugs was significantly associated with higher depressive symptoms and lower family relations reported by themselves as well as their family members. Family relations reported by people who inject drugs and their family members were positively correlated. CONCLUSION The findings highlight the need for interventions that address psychological distress and the related challenges faced by family members of people who inject drugs. The article has policy implication which concludes with an argument for developing strategies that enhance the role of families in supporting behavioral change among people who inject drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Center for Community Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Nguyen Anh Tuan
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Li-Jung Liang
- Department of Medicine Statistics Core, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chunqing Lin
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Center for Community Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shu C Farmer
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Center for Community Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Martin Flore
- Department of Medicine Statistics Core, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Ho HT, Le GM, Dinh TT. Female sex workers who use amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) in three cities of Vietnam: Use and sexual risks related to HIV/AIDS. Glob Public Health 2013; 8:552-69. [DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2013.790459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Abstract
Maternity for opiate users in Vietnam is challenging due to the criminalization of drug use, stigmatization, and poor specialist knowledge among health providers. This article outlines action research conducted among Vietnamese women who had experienced pregnancy while opiate-dependent. Misguided fears that their baby would be a “monstrosity” drove some women to seek out abortion. For those who chose to continue with their pregnancy, communication with health professionals was poor and misinformation concerning advised maternal practices and newborn care was common. Often women made intuitive decisions; few attempted to go “cold turkey” and withdrew suddenly from opiates while pregnant, and most new mothers chose to breastfeed—a healthy choice—despite being advised against this. The study revealed the importance of support provided outside of state services and culminated in new information for female drug users and training materials for peer counselors. The participatory process by which these outputs were developed is outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna White
- Independent Researcher, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Centre for Research in Anthropology, Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Pauline Oosterhoff
- Medical Committee Netherlands–Vietnam, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Royal Tropical Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Klein A, Saphonn V, Reid S. Reaching out and reaching up - developing a low cost drug treatment system in Cambodia. Harm Reduct J 2012; 9:11. [PMID: 22410105 PMCID: PMC3334683 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7517-9-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2010] [Accepted: 03/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Cambodia, confronted by the spread of drug misuse among young people, requested support from international agencies to develop a drug treatment programme in 2000. The initial plan developed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime was to set up a number of conventional drug treatment centres in urban areas. During the planning phase, however, the project was redesigned as a community based outreach programme. Ten Community Counselling Teams have been formed and trained in pilot areas, and within the first year of operation 462 drug and alcohol users contacted. Comprising former drug users, family members affected by drug use and health care staff, they have drug scene credibility, local knowledge and connectivity, and a rudimentary level of medical competence. Crucially, they enjoy the support of village elders, who are involved in the planning and reporting stages. While the Community Counselling Teams with their basic training in addiction counselling are in no position as yet to either provide or refer clients to treatment, they can provide brief interventions, organise self help groups, and most importantly provide an alternative to law enforcement. By taking a development centred approach, with emphasis on community, empowerment and inclusion, it provides a constructive and inclusive alternative to medical approaches and the compulsory drug treatment centres. The paper is based on an evaluation involving interviews with a range of stakeholders and a review of project documents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axel Klein
- School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada at Las Vegas, Las Vegas, USA.
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Vuong T, Ali R, Baldwin S, Mills S. Drug policy in Vietnam: a decade of change? THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2011; 23:319-26. [PMID: 22206713 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2011.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2011] [Revised: 11/19/2011] [Accepted: 11/21/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Driven by the rapid spread of HIV, Vietnam's response to drug use has undergone significant transformation in the past decade. This paper seeks to identify and analyse factors that prompted these changes and to investigate their impact on the lives of people who use drugs. METHOD This policy analysis is based on a review of Vietnamese Government documents, peer-reviewed publications and the authors' knowledge of and involvement in drug policy in Vietnam. RESULTS The last decade has witnessed a progressive change in the mindset of political leaders in Vietnam around illicit drug use and HIV issues. This has led to adoption of evidence-based interventions and the evolution of drug policy that support the scale up of these interventions. However, HIV prevalence among drug users at 31.5% remains high due to limited access to effective interventions and impediments caused by the compulsory treatment centre system. CONCLUSIONS The twin epidemics of HIV and illicit drug use have commanded high-level political attention in Vietnam. Significant policy changes have allowed the implementation of HIV prevention and drug dependence treatment services. Nevertheless, inconsistencies between policies and a continued commitment to compulsory treatment centres remain as major impediments to the provision of effective services to drug users. It is critical that Vietnamese government agencies recognise the social and health consequences of policy conflicts and acknowledge the relative ineffectiveness of centre-based compulsory treatment. In order to facilitate practical changes, the roles of the three ministries directly charged with HIV and illicit drug use need to be harmonised to ensure common goals. The participation of civil society in the policymaking process should also be encouraged. Finally, stronger links between local evidence, policy and practice would increase the impact on HIV prevention and drug addiction treatment programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thu Vuong
- Family Health International (FHI), 7th floor, Hanoi Tourist Building, 18 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hanoi, Viet Nam.
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Oosterhoff P, White J, Nguyen TH. Family health consequences of modernisation programmes in Black Thai communities. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2011; 13 Suppl 2:S217-S233. [PMID: 21491273 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2011.562306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Southeast Asian governments implement ambitious programmes to reduce population growth and maternal mortality in areas with large minority ethnic populations. Although some of these programmes introduce new social and health practices that meet their broader aims, they may pay inadequate attention to the protective and medically beneficial aspects of traditional practices. This study examined the decline of temporary matrilocality (zu kuay) among the Black Thai in Dien Bien, Vietnam, as a response to policies adopted under the government programme of Doi Moi ('modernisation'). The patrilocal, patrilinear cultural norms of the majority ethnic Kinh people were promoted and zu kuay discouraged at a time when heroin availability increased dramatically but harm reduction programmes were not yet in place. This historical coincidence appears to have heightened certain Thai women's vulnerability to marriages with HIV-positive injecting drug users. Policies and guidelines on marriage and reproductive health should take into account the role of minority ethnic traditions, as well as local health-seeking practices, in order not only to improve reproductive programmes but also to reduce HIV vulnerability.
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Vuong DA, Van Ginneken E, Morris J, Ha ST, Busse R. Mental health in Vietnam: Burden of disease and availability of services. Asian J Psychiatr 2011; 4:65-70. [PMID: 23050918 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2011.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2010] [Revised: 12/29/2010] [Accepted: 01/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite the accomplishments, the economic and social reform program of Vietnam has had negative effects, such as limited access to health care services for those disadvantaged in the new market economy. Among this group are persons with mental disorders. This paper aims to understand the burden of mental disorders and availability of mental health services (MHS) in Vietnam. METHODS We reviewed both national as well as the international literature about the burden of mental disorders and MHS in Vietnam. This included academic literature (Medline, Pubmed), national (government) reports, World Health Organization (WHO) reports, and grey literature. RESULTS The burden of mental disorders in Vietnam is similar to that of other Asian countries and occurs across all population groups. MHS have been made one of the national health priorities and more efforts are being made to promote equity of access by integrating MHS into other health care programs and by increasing MHS capacity. However, it is not yet sufficient to meet the care demand of persons with mental disorders. Challenges remain in various areas of MHS, including: lack of mental health legislation, human resources, hospital beds, shortage and diversification of MHS. CONCLUSION Although MHS in Vietnam have considerably improved over the last decade, mainly in terms of accessibility, the care demand and the illness burden remain high. Therefore, more emphasis should be put on increasing MHS capacity and on human resource development. In that process, more representative epidemiological data and intervention research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duong Anh Vuong
- Department of Health Care Management, Berlin University of Technology, Berlin, Germany; Department of Medical Service Administration, Ministry of Health of Vietnam, Vietnam
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Go VF, Frangakis C, Van Nam L, Sripaipan T, Bergenstrom A, Li F, Latkin C, Celentano DD, Quan VM. Characteristics of high-risk HIV-positive IDUs in Vietnam: implications for future interventions. Subst Use Misuse 2011; 46:381-9. [PMID: 20735189 PMCID: PMC2994984 DOI: 10.3109/10826084.2010.505147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The HIV epidemic in Vietnam is concentrated primarily among injecting drug users (IDUs). To prevent HIV-1 superinfection and to develop effective HIV prevention programs, data are needed to understand the characteristics of high-risk HIV-positive IDUs. In 2003 , we conducted a community-based cross-sectional study among predominately male, out-of-treatment IDUs, aged 18?45, in the Bac Ninh Province, Vietnam. Among 299 male participants, 42.8% were HIV-positive, and among those, 96.9% did not know their status prior to the study. Furthermore, 32% were HIV-positive and had high HIV behavioral risk (having unprotected sex or having shared injecting equipment in the past 6 months). Injecting for ?3 years, younger age, and pooling money to buy drugs were independently associated with being at high risk for transmitting HIV. IDUs who purchased more than one syringe at a time were less likely to have high HIV behavioral risk. Structural interventions that increase syringe accessibility may be effective in reducing HIV risk behavior among HIV-positive IDUs. Study limitations are noted in the article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian F Go
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.
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Jordan MR, La H, Nguyen HD, Sheehan H, Lien TTM, Duong DV, Hellinger J, Wanke C, Tang AM. Correlates of HIV-1 viral suppression in a cohort of HIV-positive drug users receiving antiretroviral therapy in Hanoi, Vietnam. Int J STD AIDS 2009; 20:418-22. [PMID: 19451329 DOI: 10.1258/ijsa.2008.008389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Injection drug users bear the burden of HIV in Vietnam and are a focus of national treatment programmes. To date, determinants of successful therapy in this population are unknown. Substance use and clinical correlates of viral suppression were studied in 100 HIV-1-infected drug users receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) for at least six months in Hanoi, Vietnam. The mean age of the cohort was 29.9 + 4.9 years; all were men. A majority of patients (73%) achieved viral suppression (HIV-RNA <1000 copies/mL). Correlates of viral suppression include self-reported > or = 95% adherence (P < 0.01) and current use of trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole (P < 0.01); current or ever diagnosed with tuberculosis was associated with viral non-suppression (P = 0.006). Tobacco use was prevalent (84%), and surprisingly 48% of patients reported active drug use; neither was associated with viral non-suppression. This is the first study to document successful ART treatment in a population of Vietnamese drug users; rates of viral suppression are comparable to other international populations. The 28% of patients without HIV-1 suppression highlight the need for adherence promotion, risk reduction programmes, and population-based surveillance strategies for assessing the emergence of HIV drug resistance in settings where access to viral load and drug resistance testing is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Jordan
- Tufts Medical Center, Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Disease, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajat Ray
- Department of Psychiatry, National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, India.
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