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Álvaro-Alonso EA, Gómez-Álvarez MDC, Segovia-Tapiador B, Del-Pino-Illaconza MI, Valencia J, Ryan P, Aguilar-Ros A, Escobar-Rodríguez I. Persistence in the Methadone Maintenance Program and Its Relationship with the Medication Regimen Complexity Index in Opioid-Dependent Patients. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:567. [PMID: 38794137 PMCID: PMC11123973 DOI: 10.3390/ph17050567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
It has been shown that the Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) is a useful and reliable tool for calculating the complexity of the pharmacotherapeutic regimen (CPR). Furthermore, a high MRCI is associated with lower adherence. However, the MRCI of opioid-dependent patients (ODP) has not been studied. The aim of this study is to calculate the Methadone Maintenance Program (MMP) persistence and the MRCI score in a ODP cohort. Second, to analyze its relationship and association with other variables. To accomplish this research, an observational study including adults with a confirmed diagnosis of opiate-dependency according to the DSM-5 in a MMP center was carried out. To define MMP-persistence, a group was created by the researchers who defined five weighted items according to their agreed importance. Our first contribution was to create a new definition of MMP-persistence. This study also identified age, comorbidities, and received methadone maintenance doses as successful predictors for MMP-persistence. We have also shown that the MRCI does not seem to be a useful tool to determine MMP-persistence, probably because there are multiple factors that influence it in addition to the CPR. It is necessary to continue searching for more precise selection and stratification tools for ODP to improve their persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Alba Álvaro-Alonso
- Pharmacy Department, Infanta Leonor University Hospital, Av. Gran Vía del Este, 80, 28031 Madrid, Spain;
| | - María del Carmen Gómez-Álvarez
- General Subdirectorate of Pharmaceutical Inspection and Management, Authorization Area for Pharmaceutical Centers, Services and Establishments, Ministry of Health, C/Aduana, 29, 28013 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Beatriz Segovia-Tapiador
- Vallecas Comprehensive Care Center for Drug Addicts, Calle de las Cinco Villas, 5, 28051 Madrid, Spain; (B.S.-T.); (M.I.D.-P.-I.)
| | - María Isabel Del-Pino-Illaconza
- Vallecas Comprehensive Care Center for Drug Addicts, Calle de las Cinco Villas, 5, 28051 Madrid, Spain; (B.S.-T.); (M.I.D.-P.-I.)
| | - Jorge Valencia
- Internal Medicine Department, Infanta Leonor University Hospital, Av. Gran Vía del Este, 80, 28031 Madrid, Spain; (J.V.); (P.R.)
| | - Pablo Ryan
- Internal Medicine Department, Infanta Leonor University Hospital, Av. Gran Vía del Este, 80, 28031 Madrid, Spain; (J.V.); (P.R.)
| | - Antonio Aguilar-Ros
- Instituto Universitario de Estudios de las Adicciones IEA-CEU, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28660 Boadilla del Monte, Spain;
| | - Ismael Escobar-Rodríguez
- Pharmacy Department, Infanta Leonor University Hospital, Av. Gran Vía del Este, 80, 28031 Madrid, Spain;
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Le NT, Vu TT, Vu TTV, Khuong QL, Le HTCH, Tieu TTV, Do VD. Quality of life profile of methadone maintenance treatment patients in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2022.2084782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ngoc Tu Le
- Department of Disease Control and Prevention, Pasteur Institute of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Thu Trang Vu
- Center for Population Health Sciences, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi City, Vietnam
| | - Thi Tuong Vi Vu
- Center for Population Health Sciences, Vietnam HIV Addiction Technology Transfer Center - University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi City, Vietnam
| | - Quynh Long Khuong
- Center for Population Health Sciences, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi City, Vietnam
| | - Huynh Thi Cam Hong Le
- Center for Population Health Sciences, Vietnam HIV Addiction Technology Transfer Center - University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi City, Vietnam
- Center for Population Health Sciences, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi City, Vietnam
| | - Thi Thu Van Tieu
- Center for Population Health Sciences, Prevention HIV/AIDS Center Ho Chi Minh City HIV/AIDS Association, Hanoi City, Vietnam
| | - Van Dung Do
- Center for Population Health Sciences, Vietnam HIV Addiction Technology Transfer Center - University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi City, Vietnam
- Center for Population Health Sciences, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi City, Vietnam
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Armoon B, Bayat AH, Bayani A, Mohammadi R, Ahounbar E, Fakhri Y. Quality of life and its associated factors among patients with substance use disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2022.2069612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bahram Armoon
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran
| | - Amir-Hossien Bayat
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran
| | - Azadeh Bayani
- School of Allied Medical Sciences, Student Research Committee, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rasool Mohammadi
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Nutrition, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Elaheh Ahounbar
- Substance Abuse and Dependence Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Orygen, The National Center of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Center for Youth Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Yadollah Fakhri
- Food Health Research Center, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
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Relation of substance use disorders to mortality, accident and emergency department attendances, and hospital admissions: A 13-year population-based cohort study in Hong Kong. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 229:109119. [PMID: 34717115 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.109119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of substance use disorders (SUD) in an Asian population has not been fully explored. We aimed to assess the risk of mortality, accident and emergency (A&E) department attendances, and hospital admissions associated with SUD in a population-based cohort study. METHOD Patients diagnosed with SUD in public A&E departments from 2004 to 2016 (N = 8,423) were identified in the Clinical Database Analysis and Reporting System of the Hong Kong Hospital Authority and 1:1 matched to patients without SUD by propensity score (N = 6,074 in each group). Relative risks of mortality, A&E attendances and hospital admissions were assessed using Cox regression and Hurdle negative binomial regression. RESULTS Patients with SUD had higher mortality (hazard ratio=1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.26-1.62) and more often died from poisoning or toxicity and injuries. The odds ratio (OR) for A&E attendances and all-cause hospital admissions associated with SUD were 2.80 (95% CI=2.58-3.04) and 3.54 (95% CI=3.26-3.83), respectively. The impact of SUD on the above outcomes was greatest among school-aged individuals (≤ 21 years) and decreased with age. The relative risk of mental disorder-related hospital admissions was much higher than that for infections, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular diseases. In patients with SUD, ketamine and amphetamine use were associated with increased A&E attendances than opioid use. CONCLUSIONS SUD was associated with increased mortality, A&E attendances and hospital admissions, especially in school-aged individuals. Our findings suggest prioritising early treatment and preventive interventions for school-aged individuals and focusing on the management of comorbid mental disorders and the use of ketamine and amphetamine.
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Quyen BTT, Nguyen LT, Phuong VTV, Hoang LT. Quality of life in methadone maintenance treated patients in Long An, a southern province of Vietnam. Health Psychol Open 2020; 7:2055102920953053. [PMID: 33133632 PMCID: PMC7576922 DOI: 10.1177/2055102920953053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This cross-sectional study was conducted to identify the quality of life (QoL) and its related factors in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) patients at four health facilities in Long An province, Vietnam in 2019. We interviewed 373 MMT patients using the WHOQOL-BREF measurement questionnaire and used their health records to collect some other data. The findings showed that the patients had a mean QoL score of 66.1 points. Factors associated with a higher QoL score included having employment, receiving support from relatives, and having health insurance. Therefore, it is recommended that patients should be assisted to participate in health insurance and supported by their relatives.
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Vuong T, Ritter A, Shanahan M, Ali R, Nguyen N, Minh KP. Quality of life as a predictor of time to heroin relapse among male residents following release from compulsory rehabilitation centres in Vietnam. Drug Alcohol Rev 2020; 40:296-306. [PMID: 32985029 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Quality of life (QOL) is a relevant and quantifiable outcome of drug dependence treatment. We assessed health-related QOL for people released from three centre-based compulsory treatment (CCT) centres in Vietnam, using the EQ-5D. The study aimed to examine the prognostic value of health-related QOL in relation to time to relapse to heroin use among the participants. DESIGN AND METHODS Two hundred and eight CCT participants with heroin dependence were interviewed at release, and at 3, 6 and 12 months post-release. Health-related QOL was measured with the EQ-5D. Kaplan-Meier survival models were fitted using Cox modelling to examine the rate, timing and prediction of the number of days to heroin relapse and to examine the predictability of the health-related QOL measures for days to relapse. Relapse was defined as first time of heroin use. RESULTS The study found a substantial relapse rate (85.6%) among participants within 12 months following release from CCT centres; the mean number of days to relapse was 57.7 (SD = 31.6). There was no statistically significant change over time in the mean values of health-related QOL (P = 0.11). While the total index score (across the five pre-specified EQ-5D domains) did not have a significant effect in predicting cumulative relapse, lower scores on the Visual Analogue Scale of the EQ-5D were significantly (P < 0.05) predictive of cumulative relapse, with adjusted hazard ratios for relapse of 0.987 (P = 0.013). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS EQ-5D Visual Analogue Scale score is a useful predictor of cumulative heroin relapse among participants released from CCT centres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thu Vuong
- Drug Policy Modelling Program, Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alison Ritter
- Drug Policy Modelling Program, Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Marian Shanahan
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Robert Ali
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Discipline of Pharmacology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Khue Pham Minh
- Haiphong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong, Vietnam
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Long KQ, Thinh OP, Thao TTK, Van Huy N, Lan VTH, Mai VQ, Van Minh H. Relationship between family functioning and health-related quality of life among methadone maintenance patients: a Bayesian approach. Qual Life Res 2020; 29:3333-3342. [PMID: 32766941 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-020-02598-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the relationship of family functioning on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among methadone maintenance patients using the Bayesian approach. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted on 182 patients at Go Vap Methadone Clinic, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Family functioning and HRQoL were measured by the APGAR scale and World Health Organization Quality of Life short-form instrument (WHOQoL-BREF), respectively. Directed Acyclic Graphs were used to present the conceptual framework and to identify a set of confounders of the relationship between family functioning and HRQoL. Bayesian multivariable linear regressions were fitted with four different priors to determine the effect size of the relationship of interest. RESULTS The mean score of APGAR was 6.0 (SD = 3.3), and the mean scores of HRQoL were from 47.1 (SD = 17.6) in the social relationships dimension to 69.0 (SD = 10.3) in the environment dimension. Patients with a higher score of family functioning were likely to have a higher score of HRQoL, with coefficients and 95% highest density interval (HDI) greater than 0 in all priors. Family functioning had the most substantial impact on the psychological health dimension, with 99.9% to 100% and 44.6% to 83.7% of posterior distribution greater than 1 and 2, in different priors, respectively. CONCLUSION Family functioning is intimately associated with HRQoL. Treatment plans for patients undergoing methadone maintenance treatment should aim to involve the families appropriately and effectively to maximize the benefits for patients and improve their overall well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Trinh Thi Kim Thao
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy At Ho Chi Minh City, 217 Hong Bang Street, Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
| | - Nguyen Van Huy
- Graduate School of Public Health, St. Luke's International University, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Vu Quynh Mai
- Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Lewer D, Freer J, King E, Larney S, Degenhardt L, Tweed EJ, Hope VD, Harris M, Millar T, Hayward A, Ciccarone D, Morley KI. Frequency of health-care utilization by adults who use illicit drugs: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Addiction 2020; 115:1011-1023. [PMID: 31705770 PMCID: PMC7210080 DOI: 10.1111/add.14892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To summarize evidence on the frequency and predictors of health-care utilization among people who use illicit drugs. DESIGN Systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsychINFO for observational studies reporting health-care utilization published between 1 January 2000 and 3 December 2018. We conducted narrative synthesis and meta-analysis following a registered protocol (identifier: CRD42017076525). SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS People who use heroin, powder cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamine, ecstasy/3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), cannabis, hallucinogens or novel psychoactive substances; have a diagnosis of 'substance use disorder'; or use drug treatment services. MEASUREMENTS Primary outcomes were the cumulative incidence (risk) and rate of care episodes in three settings: primary care, hospital admissions (in-patient) and emergency department (ED). FINDINGS Ninety-two studies were included, 84% from North America and Australia. Most studies focused on people using heroin, methamphetamine or crack cocaine, or who had a diagnosis of drug dependence. We were able to conduct a meta-analysis of rates across 25 studies reporting ED episodes and 25 reporting hospital admissions, finding pooled rates of 151 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 114-201] and 41 (95% CI = 30-57) per 100 person-years, respectively; on average 4.8 and 7.1 times more often than the general population. Heterogeneity was very high and was not explained by drugs used, country of study, recruitment setting or demographic characteristics. Predictors of health-care utilization were consistent across studies and included unstable housing, drug injection and mental health problems. Opioid substitution therapy was consistently associated with reduced ED presentation and hospital admission. There was minimal research on health-care utilization by people using ecstasy/MDMA, powder cocaine, hallucinogens or novel psychoactive substances. CONCLUSIONS People who use illicit drugs are admitted to emergency department or hospital several times more often than the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Lewer
- UCL Collaborative Centre for Inclusion HealthInstitute of Epidemiology and Health Care UCLLondonUK
- National Addictions Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Joseph Freer
- Centre for Primary Care and Public HealthQueen Mary University of LondonLondonUK
| | - Emma King
- UCL Collaborative Centre for Inclusion HealthInstitute of Epidemiology and Health Care UCLLondonUK
| | - Sarah Larney
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC)University of New South WalesRandwick,NSWAustralia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC)University of New South WalesRandwick,NSWAustralia
| | - Emily J. Tweed
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences UnitUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | - Vivian D. Hope
- Public Health InstituteLiverpool John Moores UniversityLiverpoolUK
| | - Magdalena Harris
- Department of Public Health, Environments and SocietyLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, LondonUK
| | - Tim Millar
- Centre for Mental Health and SafetyThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Andrew Hayward
- UCL Collaborative Centre for Inclusion HealthInstitute of Epidemiology and Health Care UCLLondonUK
| | - Dan Ciccarone
- Department of Family and Community MedicineUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Katherine I. Morley
- National Addictions Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College LondonLondonUK
- Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Global and Population HealthThe University of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
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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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Fear of Falling among Older Patients Admitted to Hospital after Falls in Vietnam: Prevalence, Associated Factors and Correlation with Impaired Health-Related Quality of Life. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17072493. [PMID: 32268486 PMCID: PMC7178070 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17072493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Fear of falling (FOF) diminishes older people’s independence in daily activities, as well as causes serious health and economic consequences. This study examined the prevalence of FOF in older patients hospitalized due to fall-injuries, its effect on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and its associated factors. We conducted a cross-sectional study in seven hospitals in Thai Binh, Vietnam. FOF was assessed using a single close-ended question. HRQOL was evaluated by the EQ-5D-5L instrument. Multilevel logistic regression and Tobit regression models were utilized. The prevalence of FOF in 405 older patients admitted to hospitals after fall injuries was 88.2%, with a mean EQ-5D index and EQ-VAS of 0.34 (SD = 0.38) and 61.6 (SD = 15.2), respectively. Factors associated with FOF included living alone (OR = 0.13, 95%CI = 0.04; 0.50.,), history of eye diseases (OR = 4.12; 95%CI = 1.91; 8.89), and experiencing psychological distress (OR= 3.56, 95% CI = 1.05; 12.00). After adjusting for confounders, the EQ-5D index in the FOF group reduced by 0.15 points (Coef. = −0.15; 95%CI= −0.24; −0.05) compared to that of non-FOF group. Our study shows that FOF had an independent negative relationship with HRQOL of patients. Improving knowledge about fall prevention in patients and caregivers could reduce the burden of falls in older people.
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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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Pham TB, Nguyen TT, Truong HT, Trinh CH, Du HNT, Ngo TT, Nguyen LH. Effects of Diabetic Complications on Health-Related Quality of Life Impairment in Vietnamese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. J Diabetes Res 2020; 2020:4360804. [PMID: 32047823 PMCID: PMC7003251 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4360804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) adversely influence patients' health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This study is aimed at examining HRQOL of T2DM patients, as well as the effects of diabetic complications and comorbidities on HRQOL in this population. This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study on 214 T2DM patients in Hanoi, Vietnam. Short-form 12 version 2 (SF-12v2) and EuroQOL-5 Dimensions-5 Levels (EQ-5D-5L) were employed to measure the HRQOL. The median physical component summary score (PCS), mental component summary score (MCS), and EQ-5D index were 45.6, 56.3, and 0.94, respectively. Having at least one diabetic complication was associated with the reduction of SF-12 scores in social functioning (Diff. = -5.69, 95%CI = -9.24; -2.13), role emotional (Diff. = -1.81, 95%CI = -3.12; -0.51), and MCS (Diff. = -2.55, 95%CI = -5.01; -0.1). Significant decrement of physical functioning, role physical, social functioning, role emotional, and MCS was found in patients having diabetic heart diseases compared to those without diabetic complications. The study revealed that HRQOL of Vietnamese patients with diabetic complications was moderately low, especially in social and mental health perspectives. Strategies to prevent the onset of diabetic complications should be developed as a priority in diabetes management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuyen Ba Pham
- Traditional Medicine Hospital, Ministry of Public Security, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| | - Trung Thanh Nguyen
- VNU School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| | - Huyen Thi Truong
- Traditional Medicine Hospital, Ministry of Public Security, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| | - Chin Huu Trinh
- VNU School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| | - Ha Ngoc Thi Du
- VNU School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| | - Tam Thi Ngo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Thang Long University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
| | - Long Hoang Nguyen
- VNU School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam
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Vu HM, Nguyen LH, Tran TH, Pham KTH, Phan HT, Nguyen HN, Tran BX, Latkin CA, Ho CS, Ho RC. Effects of Chronic Comorbidities on the Health-Related Quality of Life among Older Patients after Falls in Vietnamese Hospitals. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16193623. [PMID: 31569612 PMCID: PMC6801440 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16193623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Although comorbidities are prevalent in older people experiencing falls, there is a lack of studies examining their influence on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in this population. This study examines the prevalence of comorbidities and associations between comorbidities and HRQOL in older patients after falls in Vietnamese hospitals. A cross-sectional design was employed among 405 older patients admitted to seven hospitals due to fall injuries in Thai Binh province, Vietnam. The EuroQol-5 Dimensions-5 Levels (EQ-5D-5L) was used to measure HRQOL. Socio-demographic characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire, while comorbidities and other clinical characteristics were examined by physicians and extracted from medical records. Multivariate Tobit regression was used to determine the associations between comorbidities and HRQOL. Among 405 patients, 75.6% had comorbidities, of which hypertension and osteoarthritis were the most common. Lumbar spine/cervical spine diseases (Coefficient (Coef.) = −0.10; 95%CI = −0.18; 0.03) and stroke (Coef. = −0.36; 95%CI = −0.61; −0.10) were found to be associated with a significantly decreased EQ-5D index. Participants with three comorbidities had EQ-5D indexes 0.20 points lower (Coef. = −0.20; 95%CI = −0.31; −0.09) in comparison with those without comorbidities. This study underlined a significantly high proportion of comorbidities in older patients hospitalized due to fall injuries in Vietnam. In addition, the existence of comorbidities was associated with deteriorating HRQOL. Frequent monitoring and screening comorbidities are critical to determining which individuals are most in need of HRQOL enhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Minh Vu
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic, Thai Binh Medical University Hospital, Thai Binh 410000, Vietnam;
| | - Long Hoang Nguyen
- Center of Excellence in Behavioral Medicine, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam; (L.H.N.)
| | - Tung Hoang Tran
- Institute of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Vietnam—Germany Hospital, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam;
| | - Kiet Tuan Huy Pham
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam; (K.T.H.P.); (B.X.T.)
| | - Hai Thanh Phan
- Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang 550000, Vietnam
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +84-3-3399-8764
| | - Hieu Ngoc Nguyen
- Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam;
| | - Bach Xuan Tran
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi 100000, Vietnam; (K.T.H.P.); (B.X.T.)
- 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; (L.H.N.)
- 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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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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Chang KC, Lin CY, Chang CC, Ting SY, Cheng CM, Wang JD. Psychological distress mediated the effects of self-stigma on quality of life in opioid-dependent individuals: A cross-sectional study. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211033. [PMID: 30726249 PMCID: PMC6364895 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Both stigma and psychological distress affect quality of life (QOL). This study is an attempt to determine the effects of these two factors on QOL and to explore possible mediation effects between psychological distress and self-stigma in opioid-dependent individuals. Methods This cross-sectional study comprised 268 consecutive, treatment-seeking opioid-dependent individuals who were interviewed using the brief version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument (WHOQOL-BREF), the Self-Stigma Scale-Short (SSS-S), the Chinese Health Questionnaire-12 (CHQ-12), and the Opiate Treatment Index (OTI). A series of regression models were constructed to determine if the SSS-S and CHQ-12 predict the WHOQOL-BREF scores. Moreover, a comparison of the potential mediation effects of psychological distress (as assessed by the CHQ-12) was made between the SSS-S and the WHOQOL-BREF using the Baron and Kenny procedure (including three separate regressions), along with the Sobel test. Results The CHQ-12 score was predictive of the scores for the four domains and almost all facets of the WHOQOL-BREF except the item, “Dependence on medical aids.” Nonetheless, the SSS-S score predicted three of the four facets of the social QOL after adjustment of the CHQ-12 score. Psychological distress completely mediated the relation between self-stigma and the physical, psychological, and environmental domains, and partially mediated the relationship between self-stigma and social QOL (two-tailed Sobel test: p = 0.02 for each domain). Conclusions Psychological distress has a significant impact on the QOL of treated opioid users. It appears to be a core element in reducing the negative effects of self-stigma on aspects of QOL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Chia Chang
- Jianan Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Public Health College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Ying Lin
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Chih-Cheng Chang
- Department of Psychiatry, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Senior Citizen Service Management, College of Recreation and Health Management, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Shuo-Yen Ting
- Tsaotun Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Nantou, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Ming Cheng
- Jianan Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Der Wang
- Department of Public Health College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Occupational and Environmental Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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Nguyen TMT, Tran BX, Fleming M, Pham MD, Nguyen LT, Nguyen ALT, Le HT, Nguyen TH, Hoang VH, Le XTT, Vuong QH, Ho MT, Dam VN, Vuong TT, Nguyen V, Nguyen HLT, Do HP, Doan PL, Nguyen HH, Latkin CA, Ho CSH, Ho RCM. HIV knowledge and risk behaviors among drug users in three Vietnamese mountainous provinces. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2019; 14:3. [PMID: 30646945 PMCID: PMC6334422 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-019-0191-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, people who inject drugs are highly vulnerable to HIV transmission. Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) programs are one of the most cost-effective mechanisms to substitute opioid use and improve the quality of life of patients. Since the coverage of MMT is still limited and even for those patients who are treated, improving their knowledge on HIV and maintaining healthy behaviors are key to maximizing the outcomes of HIV harm reduction programs. This study examined the knowledge on HIV, perceived risk and HIV testing among drug users accessing methadone maintenance services in three Vietnamese mountainous areas. METHODS A cross-sectional study of 300 people enrolling for MMT services in three provinces in Vietnam was conducted. The factors associated with the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of respondents about HIV/AIDS were exploited using multivariable logistic model. RESULTS Of the 300-people surveyed, 99% knew of HIV and 60.6% were identified as having good knowledge. While 75.2% identified that injecting drugs was a risk factor for HIV, 52.2% thought they were not at risk of HIV mainly as they did not share needles. 92.6% had undergone HIV testing with 17.4% being positive, a number which was significantly lower than Vietnam's national average for people who inject drugs. Age, ethnicity and education were associated with knowledge of HIV while ART treatment was linked to self-assessed HIV status. CONCLUSIONS This study sheds new light on the knowledge attitudes and practices of people who inject drugs, particularly males in mountainous areas of Vietnam regarding HIV prevention. Overall, knowledge was good with most conducting safe practices towards transmission. Enhanced education and targeting of minority groups could help in increasing the numbers receiving MMT and HIV services.
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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 University, Baltimore, MD USA
- Vietnam Young Physician Association, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Manh Duc Pham
- Vietnam Authority of HIV/AIDS Control, Ministry of Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Long Thanh Nguyen
- Vietnam 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
| | - Thang Huu Nguyen
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Van Hai Hoang
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Xuan Thanh Thi Le
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Quan Hoang Vuong
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Social Research, Phenikaa University, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Université Libre de Bruxelles, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Manh Tung Ho
- Institute of Philosophy, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | | | - Vu Nguyen
- Department of Neurosurgery Spine-Surgery, Hanoi Medical University Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Huyen Phuc Do
- Center of Excellence in Evidence-based Medicine, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam
| | - Phuong Linh Doan
- Center of Excellence in Evidence-based Medicine, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam
| | - Hai Hong Nguyen
- Center of Excellence in Evidence-based Medicine, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam
| | - Carl A. Latkin
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Cyrus S. H. Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Roger C. M. Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Center of Excellence in Behavioral Medicine, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore
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17
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Health-related work productivity loss is low for patients in a methadone maintenance program in Vietnam. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2018; 60:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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18
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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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Dang AK, Nguyen LH, Nguyen AQ, Tran BX, Tran TT, Latkin CA, Zhang MWB, Ho RCM. Physical activity among HIV-positive patients receiving antiretroviral therapy in Hanoi and Nam Dinh, Vietnam: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e020688. [PMID: 29748343 PMCID: PMC5950700 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has facilitated the transition of HIV infection into a chronic disease, where adherence to medications is required along with keeping a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, an increase in physical activity has been recommended for patients with HIV in order to maintain their health status. This study looked to determine the physical activity level and its associated factors among patients with HIV receiving ART treatment. SETTINGS Eight outpatient clinic sites across different levels of the health systems in both rural and urban settings in Hanoi and Nam Dinh, Vietnam. STUDY DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS A cross-sectional study was performed among 1133 patients with HIV receiving ART treatment from January to August 2013. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Physical activity level was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Socioeconomic, health-related quality of life, ART adherence and ART-related characteristics were self-reported. RESULTS 16% of participants were inactive, and 68% were reported active via health-enhancing physical activity. Rural participants reported a higher level of physical activity compared with urban participants. Participants having a longer duration of ART were less likely to be physically active. Participants who were female and self-employed, who had higher CD4 cell count, higherEuroQol - 5 dimensions - 5levels (EQ-5D-5L) index/EQ-Visual Analogue Scale, and shared their health status with their peers were more likely to have a higher IPAQ score or be physically active. A lower IPAQ score was associated with participants living in urban areas and being at the symptomatic stage. Participants having poor adherence and longer duration of ART were more likely to be physically inactive. CONCLUSION The majority of participants who received ART were physically active. There is a need for interventions to promote physical activity among patients with HIV in urban areas and in the later ART treatment phases. Other potential interventions to increase the level of physical activity include peer support and job guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anh Kim Dang
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Long Hoang Nguyen
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Anh Quynh Nguyen
- School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Bach Xuan Tran
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Tung Thanh Tran
- Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Carl A Latkin
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Melvyn W B Zhang
- Biomedical Global Institute of Healthcare Research & Technology (BIGHEART), National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Roger C M Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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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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21
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Khuong LQ, Vu TVT, Huynh VAN, Thai TT. Psychometric properties of the medical outcomes study: social support survey among methadone maintenance patients in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: a validation study. SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PREVENTION AND POLICY 2018; 13:8. [PMID: 29444687 PMCID: PMC5813430 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-018-0147-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Background Social support plays a crucial role in the treatment and recovery process of patients engaging in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). However, there is a paucity of research about social support among MMT patients, possibly due to a lack of appropriate measuring tools. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Vietnamese version of the Medical Outcomes Study: Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS) among MMT patients. Methods A cross-sectional survey of 300 patients was conducted in a methadone clinic in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. MMT patients who agreed to participate in the study completed a face-to-face interview in a private room. The MOS-SSS was translated into Vietnamese using standard forward-backward process. Internal consistency was measured by Cronbach’s alpha. The intra-class correlation coefficient was used to determine the test-retest reliability of the MOS-SSS in 75 participants two weeks after the first survey. Concurrent validity of the MOS-SSS was evaluated by correlations with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and the Perceived Stigma of Addiction Scale (PSAS). Construct validity was investigated by confirmatory factor analysis. Results The MOS-SSS had good internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha from 0.95 to 0.97 for the four subscales and 0.97 for the overall scale. The two-week test-retest reliability was at moderate level with intra-class correlation coefficients of 0.61–0.73 for the four subscales and 0.76 for the overall scale. Strong significant correlations between the MOS-SSS and the MSPSS (r = 0.77; p < 0.001) and the PSAS (r = − 0.76; p < 0.001) indicated good concurrent validity. Construct validity of the MOS-SSS was established since a final four-factor model fitted the data well with Comparative Fit Index (0.97), Tucker-Lewis Index (0.97), Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (0.03) and Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (0.068; 90% CI = 0.059–0.077). Conclusions The MOS-SSS is a reliable and valid tool for measuring social support in Vietnamese MMT patients. Further studies among methadone patients at different stages of their treatment and among those from different areas of Vietnam are needed. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13011-018-0147-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Quynh Khuong
- Faculty of Public Health, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 159 Hung Phu Street, Ward 8, District 8, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Tuong-Vi Thi Vu
- South Vietnam HIV- Addiction Technology Transfer Center, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 15th Floor, Central Building, 217 Hong Bang, Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Van-Anh Ngoc Huynh
- Faculty of Public Health, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 159 Hung Phu Street, Ward 8, District 8, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Truc Thanh Thai
- Faculty of Public Health, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 159 Hung Phu Street, Ward 8, District 8, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. .,Training and Scientific Research, University Medical Center, 215 Hong Bang Street, Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
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22
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Tran BX, Nguyen LH, Tran TT, Latkin CA. Social and structural barriers for adherence to methadone maintenance treatment among Vietnamese opioid dependence patients. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190941. [PMID: 29346444 PMCID: PMC5773191 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) services may reduce the risk of HIV transmission if patients completely adhere to the treatment. Identifying adherence patterns and potential related factors is vital for the sustainability of MMT program in Vietnam. This study examined social and structural factors associated with adherence to MMT among patients in different service delivery models. Materials and methods A total of 510 patients at three MMT clinics in Hanoi were interviewed. Measures of self-reported adherence included the number of missed doses in the past 7 days and the level of adherence in the past 30 days using a visual analog scale (VAS) scoring from 0 (non-adherence) to 100 (perfect adherence). Multivariate regressions were employed to identify factors associated with non-adherence to MMT. Results A total of 17.7% of participants reported incomplete MMT adherence in the last 30 days and 8.3% reported missing a dose in the last seven days, respectively. Living with HIV/AIDS, poor self-care and usual activities, and disclosure of health issues to spouses or intimate partners were associated with non-adherence. Those patients with pain or depression were more likely to report better adherence. Disclosing health status to spouse/partner increased the risk of incomplete adherence, while disclosing to friends reduced the number of missed dose in the last seven days. Patients attending clinics with comprehensive services had a lower VAS score of adherence compared to those enrolling in clinics with only MMT and general health care. Conclusions Sustaining the compliance of patients to MMT is principal in the rapid expansion of this service in Vietnam. It is necessary to address the complexity of health care demands of drug users, their difficulties to be rehabilitated into workforce and society, and the stigmatization to maximize the outcomes of MMT program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bach Xuan Tran
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Long Hoang Nguyen
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Tung Thanh Tran
- Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | - Carl A. Latkin
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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23
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Nguyen LH, Tran BX, Hoang Le QN, Tran TT, Latkin CA. Quality of life profile of general Vietnamese population using EQ-5D-5L. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2017. [PMID: 29020996 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-017-0771-0.pmid:29020996;pmcid:pmc5637080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a vital benchmark to assess the effects of health interventions and policies. Measuring HRQOL of the general population is essential to establish a reference for health outcomes evaluations. However, evidence on HRQOL of general populations in low and middle income countries is very limited. This study aimed to measure HRQOL of the Vietnamese population by using the EuroQol-5 dimensions-5 levels (EQ-5D-5L) instrument and determine its associated factors. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed in Hanoi with 1571 residences in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. EQ-5D-5L and EQ- visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) were used to assess HRQOL. Potential covariates included socio-demographic characteristics, having acute symptoms in the last four weeks, chronic diseases in the last three months, having multiple health issues, and health service utilisation in the last twelve months. A generalized linear model was employed to identify the association between HRQOL and covariates. RESULTS Overall, the mean EQ-5D utility index was 0.91 (SD = 0.15), and the mean EQ-VAS score was 87.4 (SD = 14.3). The highest proportion of respondents reporting any problems was in Usual activities (24.3%), followed by Anxiety/Depression (15.2%) and Pain/Discomfort (10.0%), while the lowest percentage was in Self-care (2.5%). Lower HRQOL composite scores were related to unemployment, lower income, higher education, living in urban areas, having chronic diseases, having multiple health issues and using health service. For any health problem self-reported by respondents, the health utility reduced by 0.02 (respiratory diseases) to 0.15 (musculoskeletal diseases). CONCLUSIONS Health utility of the general population and reductions for self-reported health problems in this study are useful for future population health evaluations and comparisons. It also informs the development of interventions to reduce health problems of the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Hoang Nguyen
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Bach Xuan Tran
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, United States of America, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Tung Thanh Tran
- Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam.
| | - Carl A Latkin
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, United States of America, Baltimore, MD, USA
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24
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Quality of life profile of general Vietnamese population using EQ-5D-5L. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2017; 15:199. [PMID: 29020996 PMCID: PMC5637080 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-017-0771-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a vital benchmark to assess the effects of health interventions and policies. Measuring HRQOL of the general population is essential to establish a reference for health outcomes evaluations. However, evidence on HRQOL of general populations in low and middle income countries is very limited. This study aimed to measure HRQOL of the Vietnamese population by using the EuroQol-5 dimensions-5 levels (EQ-5D-5L) instrument and determine its associated factors. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed in Hanoi with 1571 residences in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. EQ-5D-5L and EQ- visual analogue scale (EQ-VAS) were used to assess HRQOL. Potential covariates included socio-demographic characteristics, having acute symptoms in the last four weeks, chronic diseases in the last three months, having multiple health issues, and health service utilisation in the last twelve months. A generalized linear model was employed to identify the association between HRQOL and covariates. RESULTS Overall, the mean EQ-5D utility index was 0.91 (SD = 0.15), and the mean EQ-VAS score was 87.4 (SD = 14.3). The highest proportion of respondents reporting any problems was in Usual activities (24.3%), followed by Anxiety/Depression (15.2%) and Pain/Discomfort (10.0%), while the lowest percentage was in Self-care (2.5%). Lower HRQOL composite scores were related to unemployment, lower income, higher education, living in urban areas, having chronic diseases, having multiple health issues and using health service. For any health problem self-reported by respondents, the health utility reduced by 0.02 (respiratory diseases) to 0.15 (musculoskeletal diseases). CONCLUSIONS Health utility of the general population and reductions for self-reported health problems in this study are useful for future population health evaluations and comparisons. It also informs the development of interventions to reduce health problems of the general population.
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25
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Zhang MW, Tran BX, Le HT, Nguyen HD, Nguyen CT, Tran TD, Latkin CA, Ho RC. Perceptions of Health-Related Information on Facebook: Cross-Sectional Study Among Vietnamese Youths. Interact J Med Res 2017; 6:e16. [PMID: 28882813 PMCID: PMC5608988 DOI: 10.2196/ijmr.8072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background While health information websites may have previously been the core source of information about health-related conditions on the Internet, social networking sites are increasingly replacing those websites as a source of health-related information. The increasingly popularity of social networking sites among the general population has consequential impact on health policies as well as health-related interventions. To date, there remains a paucity of research conducted in developing countries like Vietnam looking at the influence of social networking sites. Objective Our goal is to establish the baseline use of Facebook among Vietnamese youths and establish their perception of the reliability and usefulness of health-related information that they previously encountered while using the social networking site. Methods An online cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2015 to October 2015. Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) technique was used in the recruitment of participants. Sociodemographic, health status, behaviors, Facebook use and belief of information on Facebook, and interpersonal influence of social network sites were collected via an online structured questionnaire. Results Among 1080 participants, 72.87% (787/1080) reported being interested in health information on Facebook, and 50.74% (548/1080) and 17.50% (189/1080) perceived the information to be reliable and useful, respectively. A total of 10.93% (118/1080) of the participants also reported that they would follow the health advice they obtained from Facebook. Of significance, 7.13% (77/1080) of the participants also reported peer influences on their behavior. Factors that mediate Vietnamese perceptions of the information online include gender, level of perceived stress, age, educational level, and interpersonal influences from Facebook. Conclusions Our study is perhaps one of the first conducted in Vietnam that looks at the relationship between health information on Facebook and factors that might influence young Vietnamese perceptions of the information and the consequential use of that information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melvyn Wb Zhang
- Biomedical Global Institute of Healthcare Research and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bach Xuan Tran
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam.,Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Huong Thi Le
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Cuong Tat Nguyen
- Institute for Global Health Innovations, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam
| | | | - Carl A Latkin
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Roger Cm Ho
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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26
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A longitudinal and case-control study of dropout among drug users in methadone maintenance treatment in Haiphong, Vietnam. Harm Reduct J 2017; 14:59. [PMID: 28854943 PMCID: PMC5577787 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-017-0185-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vietnam began providing methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) in 2008; as of June 2016, 44,479 persons who inject drugs (PWID) were in treatment in 57 provinces. However, 10–23% of patients were estimated to have dropped out of treatment during the first 2 years. We evaluated dropout and factors associated with quitting treatment. Methods We followed clients ≥ 18 years old enrolled in five MMT clinics in Haiphong for 3 years. Persons who missed a consecutive month of methadone treatment were considered to have dropped out and were not allowed to return; those who missed greater than five consecutive doses were considered to be non-compliant but were allowed to restart treatment at their initial dose. Clients who dropped out or who were non-compliant during their third year of MMT (cases) were traced and matched with two clients who remained in treatment (controls) by gender, age, and length of time in the program. Cases and controls were interviewed. Additional data on levels of yearly retention were abstracted from clinic records. Results Among the 1055 patients initially enrolled in MMT, dropout and non-compliance combined was 13.6% during the first year, 16.5% during the second year, and 22.3% during the third year. By 36 months, 33.3% of clients had dropped out, of whom 10.6% had died and 24% had been arrested. We traced and interviewed 81 clients who dropped out or who were non-compliant during year 3 as well as 161 controls. The primary reasons for dropping out included claiming no dependence on heroin (22.2%), conflict with work (21.0%), health problems (16.0%), and inability to afford the methadone co-payment of approximately 0.5 USD/day (14.8%). Independent factors associated with non-compliance included continuing to use heroin (aOR = 12.4, 95% CI 4.2–36.8) and missing greater than three doses during the previous 3 months (aOR = 18.5, 95% CI 7.4–47.1); receiving a daily dose of > 120 mg of methadone was associated with a lower odds ratio of dropping out (aOR = 0.3, 95% CI 0.1–0.9). Conclusion By 3 years, one third of all patients in treatment had permanently dropped out. Ensuring that methadone dosing is adequate and reducing or eliminating the co-payment fee for those who cannot afford it could improve retention.
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Nguyen QLT, Van Phan T, Tran BX, Nguyen LH, Ngo C, Phan HTT, Latkin CA. Health insurance for patients with HIV/AIDS in Vietnam: coverage and barriers. BMC Health Serv Res 2017; 17:519. [PMID: 28774340 PMCID: PMC5543590 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-017-2464-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Health insurance (HI) plays an important role in ensuring the financial equity by the risk pooling mechanism and reducing the economic burden of healthcare for HIV/AIDS patients. However, there is a lack of evidence to clearly understand HI coverage in regard to people living with HIV (PLWH). We conducted this study to explore the coverage and barriers of HI among PLWH in Vietnam. Methods A cross- sectional study was conducted in multi-sites including 3 hospitals and 5 outpatient clinics in Hanoi and Nam Dinh in 2013. A convenience sampling approach was used to recruit the participants. A structured questionnaire was used to examine current status of using HI, lacking information about HI, feeling difficulties in accessing, using and paying HI. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to examine factors associated with HI use and barriers. Results Among 1133 HIV/AIDS patients, the coverage of HI was 46.0%. About 36.4% lacked information about HI, 21.0% felt difficulty in accessing HI. Meanwhile, the proportions of patients feeling difficulty in using HI and paying HI were 19.9 and 18.6%, respectively. Multivariate regression found that lacking information about HI and feeling difficulty in accessing HI were main barriers of having HI among PLWH. Conclusion This study found a high proportion of PLWH was not covered by HI. Lacking information about HI and feeling difficulty in accessing HI were primary barriers that should be resolved via timely educational campaigns and consultations as well as supports from families in order to expand effectively the HI coverage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quyen Le Thi Nguyen
- Institute for Global Health Innovation, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Vietnam.
| | - Tuong Van Phan
- Institute of Health Management, Hanoi University of Public Health, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Bach Xuan Tran
- Institute for Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam.,Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Long Hoang Nguyen
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Chau Ngo
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Carl A Latkin
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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