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Nguyen HTT, Dinh DX. Opioid relapse and its predictors among methadone maintenance patients: a multicenter, cross-sectional study in Vietnam. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:136. [PMID: 37717002 PMCID: PMC10505306 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00872-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid relapse, one of the common and severe problems during methadone maintenance treatment, can give rise to poor treatment outcomes. This study measured the opioid relapse rate and its associated factors among methadone maintenance patients in Vietnam. METHODS Information about the demographic characteristics and social support of 655 patients was collected through direct interviews. Medical records were used to gather data on treatment characteristics. Relapse was determined via urine opioid test results. RESULTS The overall relapse rate of patients during treatment was 13.1%. According to the multivariate logistic regression model, living in mountainous areas (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.63, 95% CI 1.90-7.46) and long duration of drug use in the past (aOR = 1.06, 95% CI 1.03-1.09) were associated with an increase in the odds of opioid relapse. By contrast, living with many family members (aOR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.55-0.85), having longer treatment time (aOR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.73-0.87), and completely adhering to treatment (aOR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.23-0.64) were protective for opioid relapse. As per the univariate analyses, the odds of opioid relapse declined by 25% for each increase of one close friend or relative (OR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.66-0.86). Regarding social support (range score: 0-100), each additional increase of one score was associated with a 1% decrease in the odds of opioid relapse (OR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.98-0.99). Patient sex, education level, occupation type, patient's monthly income, family's monthly income, the number of previous treatments, daily methadone dose, comorbidity, and received antiretroviral therapy were not associated with opioid relapse among patients (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Residence, the role of family and social support, and treatment adherence should be paid more attention to guarantee and enhance the success of methadone maintenance treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huong Thi Thanh Nguyen
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Management and Economics, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, 13-15 Le Thanh Tong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City, 111000, Vietnam
| | - Dai Xuan Dinh
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Management and Economics, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, 13-15 Le Thanh Tong, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City, 111000, Vietnam.
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Isaza C, Castaño-Ramírez OM, Vélez JP, Henao J, Beltrán-Angarita L, Sepúlveda-Arias JC. Influence of CYP2B6 Genotype on Methadone Dosage in Patients from the Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) Program in Pereira, Colombia. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13041038. [PMID: 37109567 PMCID: PMC10145268 DOI: 10.3390/life13041038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Methadone treatment reduces the use of heroin and withdrawal symptoms; however, methadone is an expensive medication with a narrow safety margin. We compared the retention rates, persistence of heroin use, and quality of life of a group of patients undergoing conventional Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) with a group for whom the CYP2B6 516G>T polymorphism was used in addition to the MMT to calculate the required methadone dose. Over 12 weeks, the retention rate, heroin usage, and quality of life of patients under conventional treatment (n = 34) were compared with those of patients for whom we used genetic markers to calculate methadone dosage (n = 38). At the end of the study, 26.4% of patients abandoned the program, and neither demographic nor clinical variables were associated with treatment adherence. Of the remaining patients, 16% of the control group and 8% of patients in the pharmacogenetic group reported heroin use, while both groups showed a 64% reduction in the use of cocaine/crack (no significant differences between the groups were found). Starting in the second week, the methadone dosage was lower among the patients for whom methadone was prescribed based on genotype. Although there were six individuals in the control group and three in the pharmacogenetic group with QTc intervals > 450 ms (a threshold that is considered dangerous), we did not find a relationship between the QTc interval and methadone dosage. There were no differences in the perception of quality of life between the two groups. The results of this pilot study suggest that concerning methadone therapy, the CYP2B6 genotype contributes to reduced effective doses and treatment costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Isaza
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira 660003, Colombia
| | | | | | - Julieta Henao
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira 660003, Colombia
| | | | - Juan Carlos Sepúlveda-Arias
- Grupo Infección e Inmunidad, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Pereira 660003, Colombia
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Tran T, Rigg KK. Substance use among methadone patients in Vietnam: a systematic review. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2022.2162989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tram Tran
- Department of Mental Health Law & Policy, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Khary K. Rigg
- Department of Mental Health Law & Policy, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
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Ab Lloh S, Mohamad N, Badrin S, Abu Bakar R, Ahmad I. Continuity of illicit drug use among Malay patients attending methadone clinics in Kelantan, Malaysia. J Ethn Subst Abuse 2023; 22:45-59. [PMID: 33472556 DOI: 10.1080/15332640.2021.1871696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The study aimed to determine the prevalence of continuity of illicit drug use and its associated factors among Malay opioid users receiving methadone treatment in Kelantan, Malaysia. This cross-sectional study involved a total of 150 respondents. Sociodemographic characteristic of participants, level of religiosity, and quality of life were collected using the self-administered questionnaires. The prevalence of continuity illicit drug use was 38.7% (n = 58) by self-report and 40.7% (n = 61) by positive urine test result for drugs. Positive hepatitis C status and high quality of life in the psychological health domain were associated with low continuity of illicit drug use by self-reported data and urine drug test results. In conclusion, the continuity of illicit drug use among methadone program users is still high, especially among those on methadone therapy for less than 2 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syazilawaty Ab Lloh
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Noraini Mohamad
- School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Salziyan Badrin
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Ruzilawati Abu Bakar
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Imran Ahmad
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
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5
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Ng SY, Chong JH, Mohd Mazlan MI, Lau BT. Illicit substance use among methadone maintenance therapy patients in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia: a cross-sectional study. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2021.2018733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Siew Yen Ng
- Department of Pharmacy, Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar Seremban, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Seremban, Malaysia
| | - Jian Hui Chong
- Department of Pharmacy, Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar Seremban, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Seremban, Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Ikhwan Mohd Mazlan
- Department of Pharmacy, Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar Seremban, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Seremban, Malaysia
| | - Boon-Tiang Lau
- Department of Pharmacy, Hospital Port Dickson, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Port Dickson, Malaysia
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6
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Mughal AY, Stockton MA, Bui Q, Go V, Ha TV, Pence BW, Gaynes BN. Validation of screening tools for common mental health disorders in the methadone maintenance population in Hanoi, Vietnam. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:488. [PMID: 34610792 PMCID: PMC8491403 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03493-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Common mental health disorders (CMDs), including depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may worsen both HIV and drug use outcomes, yet feasible tools to accurately identify CMDs have received limited study in this population. We aimed to validate the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder screen (GAD-7) and Primary Care PTSD screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5) in a methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) patient population in Hanoi, Vietnam. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey. The PHQ-9, GAD-7, and PC-PTSD-5 were administered to MMT patients. A blinded interviewer administered the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) as the reference gold standard. Total scores of each tool were compared with the MINI diagnoses using a receiver operating characteristic curves, and we identified the optimal respective cut-off scores using the Youden's Index. RESULTS We enrolled 400 MMT patients. Approximately 99.3% were male (n = 397) and 21.8% (n = 87) were HIV positive. The prevalence of major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and PTSD, respectively, was 10.5, 4 and 2%. Optimal cut-off scores for the PHQ-9, GAD-7 and PC-PTSD were ≥ 5, ≥3, and ≥ 4 with a sensitivity/specificity of 95.2%/91.9, 93.8%/87.5, and 62.5%/95.2%. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of CMDs in the MMT population was lower than expected. A lower cut-off score may be considered when screening for CMDs in this population. Further research should investigate the validity of somatic symptom-based screening tools among other drug-using or MMT populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anisa Y. Mughal
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3550 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
| | - Melissa A. Stockton
- grid.10698.360000000122483208Epidemiology Department, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, 135 Dauer Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Quynh Bui
- The UNC Vietnam Office, Yen Hoa Health Clinic, Lot E2, Duong Dinh Nghe Street, Yen Hoa Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Vivian Go
- grid.10698.360000000122483208Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, 135 Dauer Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Tran Viet Ha
- The UNC Vietnam Office, Yen Hoa Health Clinic, Lot E2, Duong Dinh Nghe Street, Yen Hoa Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Brian W. Pence
- grid.10698.360000000122483208Epidemiology Department, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, 135 Dauer Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Bradley N. Gaynes
- grid.10698.360000000122483208Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, 333 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC 27516 USA
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Mughal AY, Stockton MA, Bui Q, Go V, Pence BW, Ha TV, Gaynes BN. Examining common mental health disorders in people living with HIV on methadone maintenance therapy in Hanoi, Vietnam. Harm Reduct J 2021; 18:45. [PMID: 33892743 PMCID: PMC8063421 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-021-00495-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injection drug use drives HIV transmission in Southeast Asia, where around a quarter of users are living with HIV. Vietnam developed Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT) programs to reduce unsafe drug abuse. Common mental health disorders (CMD), including depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can worsen MMT outcomes and are highly prevalent among people living with HIV (PLH). We aimed to characterize HIV and CMD among MMT patients and assess the impact of HIV and CMD on MMT engagement outcomes in Hanoi, Vietnam. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted at an urban MMT clinic in Hanoi. Participants were screened for CMD with the relevant sections of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Tabular comparisons and regression models were used to understand the association of HIV and CMD with substance use and methadone compliance. RESULTS Of the 400 MMT participants, 22% were living with HIV, 11% a CMD, 27% reported injection drug use, and 27% reported methadone noncompliance. Around 17% of those with HIV also had a CMD. Reporting non injection and injection drug use were each higher among those with CMD regardless of HIV status. In addition, reporting any drug use was much higher among those with both HIV and CMD than among those with neither (73% vs 31%, p value 0.001). While methadone noncompliance was lower among PLH than among those without HIV (16.3% vs 30.1%, p value 0.010), noncompliance was higher among those with CMD than among those without (40.5% vs 25.6%, p value 0.045). Among those without HIV, noncompliance was higher among those with CMD than among those without, but among those with HIV, the opposite relationship was observed. CONCLUSION There is complex overlap between substance use and methadone noncompliance among MMT patients living with HIV, CMD or both. In this population, we found a high prevalence of CMD and substance use among PLH, and a high prevalence of substance use and methadone noncompliance among those with CMD. Prioritizing provision of mental health care services to MMT patients living with HIV can help improve engagement with substance use disorder treatment and reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anisa Y Mughal
- School of Medicine, The University of Pittsburgh, 3550 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Melissa Ann Stockton
- Epidemiology Department, University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, 135 Dauer Dr, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Quynh Bui
- The UNC Vietnam Office, Yen Hoa Health Clinic, Lot E2, Duong Dinh Nghe Street, Yen Hoa Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Vivian Go
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, 135 Dauer Dr, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Brian W Pence
- Epidemiology Department, University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Gillings School of Global Public Health, 135 Dauer Dr, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Tran Viet Ha
- The UNC Vietnam Office, Yen Hoa Health Clinic, Lot E2, Duong Dinh Nghe Street, Yen Hoa Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Bradley N Gaynes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill School of Medicine, 333 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516, USA
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Ivsins A, Boyd J, Beletsky L, McNeil R. Tackling the overdose crisis: The role of safe supply. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 80:102769. [PMID: 32446183 PMCID: PMC7252037 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
North America is experiencing an unprecedented overdose crisis driven by the proliferation of fentanyl and its analogues in the illicit drug supply. In 2018 there were 67,367 drug overdose deaths in the United States, and since 2016, there have been more than 14,700 overdose deaths in Canada, with most related to fentanyl. Despite concerted efforts and some positive progress, current public health, substance use treatment, and harm reduction interventions (such as widespread naloxone distribution and implementation of supervised consumption sites) have not been able to rapidly decrease overdose fatalities. In view of the persistent gaps in services and the limitations of available options, immediate scale-up of low-barrier opioid distribution programs are urgently needed. This includes "off-label" prescription of pharmaceutical grade opioids (e.g., hydromorphone) to disrupt the toxic drug supply and make safer opioids widely available to people at high risk of fatal overdose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Ivsins
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317 - 2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada; British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 1045 Howe St Suite 400, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada.
| | - Jade Boyd
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317 - 2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada; British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 1045 Howe St Suite 400, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Leo Beletsky
- Health in Justice Action Lab, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States; UC San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Ryan McNeil
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 317 - 2194 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada; British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 1045 Howe St Suite 400, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada; General Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 367 Cedar St, New Haven, CA 06510, United States; Program in Addiction Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 367 Cedar St, New Haven, CA 06510, United States
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Le TA, Ha GH, Le MQT, Tran LMH, Pham DTT, Tran NHT, Vu GT, Nguyen LH, Pham HQ, Nguyen CT, Tran TH, Pham KTH, Tran BX, Latkin CA, Ho CSH, Ho RCM. Treatment adherence amongst drug users attending public and private methadone maintenance clinics in a northern province of Vietnam. SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PREVENTION AND POLICY 2020; 15:31. [PMID: 32345318 PMCID: PMC7189574 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-020-00271-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Background Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) has been proven to be effective in improving health status and the quality of life of illicit drug users. Due to the quick expand of methadone program, socialization through co-payment service is a critical to the success of it. In Nam Dinh, Vietnam, MMT has been used in public clinics and one private clinic. Such effectiveness of this treatment has been found to depend largely on adherence to treatment. This study aims to explore the compliance rate and its influencing factors among drug users between public and private clinics in Nam Dinh province, Vietnam. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 395 participants from January to September in 2018 in three MMT clinics in Nam Dinh, Vietnam. We applied the convenience sampling technique to recruit respondents. Data on socioeconomics characteristics, MMT adherence (measured by Visual Analogue Scale – VAS) and level of social/family support were collected. Results 43.3% of participants reported complete adherence to the MMT program during the time of research. Significant factors affect MMT adherence among illicit drug users including family income, history of drug rejections, concurrence in drug usage, far distance from MMT clinics, and having only peer. Patients in MMT private clinic had higher complete adherence than that of public MMT (OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.13; 2.94). Having contacts with peer drug users associated with a higher rate of incomplete adherence (OR = 2.83, 95% CI = 1.39; 5.73). Conclusions The findings support the establishment of private MMT clinics alongside public ones, while further researches to determine the optimal dose and ways to reduce the impact of peer drug user’s influence are encouraged to be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuan Anh Le
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
| | - Giang Hai Ha
- Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000, Vietnam
| | - Mai Quynh Thi Le
- National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
| | | | | | | | - Giang Thu Vu
- Center of Excellence in Evidence-based Medicine, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh city, 700000, Vietnam
| | - Long Hoang Nguyen
- Center of Excellence in Behavioral Medicine, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh city, 700000, Vietnam
| | - Hai Quang Pham
- Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000, Vietnam
| | - Cuong Tat Nguyen
- Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, 550000, Vietnam.
| | - Tung Hoang Tran
- Institute of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Vietnam - Germany Hospital, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam.,Department of Lower Limb Surgery, Vietnam - Germany Hospital, Hanoi, 100000, Vietnam
| | - Kiet Tuan Huy Pham
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, 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
- 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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10
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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:E3277. [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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11
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Changes in Substance Abuse and HIV Risk Behaviors over 12-Month Methadone Maintenance Treatment among Vietnamese Patients in Mountainous Provinces. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16132422. [PMID: 31288440 PMCID: PMC6651144 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16132422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) programs have been used worldwide to reduce the number of drug users and for HIV prevention; however, evidence of their effectiveness in mountainous areas is limited. This study aimed to identify changes in substance abuse and sexual practices among MMT patients after treatment in three Vietnamese mountainous provinces. A survey on risk behaviors was conducted among 300 drug users in six MMT clinics prior to and following one year of MMT. Cramér's effect size of changes was extrapolated to justify the magnitude of the intervention's effectiveness. A generalized estimation equation was used to find the factors associated with respondents' substance use and sexual risk behavior. While drug-related risk behaviors were significantly reduced, alcohol and sex-related behaviors remained risk factors for HIV in this group. Additionally, condom use was common among participants at both time points, but not among those having sex with sex workers. Socio-economic characteristics of ethnic, education, occupation, as well as drug use history influenced the possibility of engaging in drug use and/or sexual risk behavior following treatment. Further emphasis on managing these among MMT patients is required, potentially by providing integrated services including smoking and drinking counseling and condom use promotion in accordance with MMT.
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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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