This study was conducted to monitor changes in client’s lives over time, including in HIV risk behaviors, drug use, treatment retention, physical health, mental health, periods of i[r]
(1)Effectiveness evaluation of the pilot program for the treatment of opioid dependence by methadone in Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh cities
Impact on physical health, mental health, society and quality of life after 12 months following up
High treatment retention Most clients (88.3%) remained after one year and adhered well to treatments (Figure 1) Main reasons for dropout from the study was being arrested (48%), voluntary dropout (22%), unable to contact (14%) Methadone side effects decreased over time, from 75.2 % in the first three months to about 60.6% by the end of the 12th month
The methadone treatment reduced drug use
The methadone treatment associated with the reduction of drug use from 100% at baseline to about 25% after months and about 15% after to 12 months (Figure 2) The dose response to methadone was not observed among clients on ARVs
Participating in the study lowered other risk behaviors for HIV transmission
The intervention lowered frequency of drug injection (from 87% at baseline to about 50% from 6th to 12th months), incidence of needle sharing (from 1% to 0%) and increased condom use , especially when having sex with sex workers Participating in the study increased quality of mental health
The prevalence of clients reported different symptoms of poor mental health symptoms decreased dramatically, and remained low after months (Figure 3)
This study was conducted to monitor changes in client’s lives over time, including in HIV risk behaviors, drug use, treatment retention, physical health, mental health, periods of incarceration/ incidence of crime, and quality of life This prospective cohort study included 965 clients receiving treatment at six methadone clinics in Hai Phong and HCMC and met the eligible criteria The clients enrolled in the study from January to October 2009 were revisited every months until September 2010 The study team collected data through personal interviews with clients at different times according to study design They also reviewed clinical records and counseling records, and took blood or urine samples
100
95
90
85
80
Baseline 3months 6months 9months 12months
Peroentage Total
HCMC Hai Phong
Figure 1: Clients remained in the study
Figure 2: Using drugs during the study
Figure 3: Changes in the prevalence of symptoms of poor mental health
100
80
40 60
20
0
Baseline 3months 6months 9months 12months
Peroentage
Using drug Non-ARV clients ARV clients
50
40
20 30
10
0
Baseline 3months 6months 9months 12months
Peroentage
Anxiety, severe tension Depression, hopelessness Severe loss of interest Thoughts of suicide
Key findings
The treatment retention was high.
The methadone treatment reduced drug use
Participating in the study lowered other risk behaviors for HIV transmission.
Participating in the study improved health and quality of life.
Participating in the study improved social and employment status.
Research Summary
(2)Clients experienced an improved quality of life
The proportion of clients perceiving good and very good quality of life has increased from about 15% to about 50%, while the proportion of those perceiving bad and very bad quality of life decreased from 12% to about 2% from baseline to after months (Figure 4)
Clients experienced improved overall perception about health The proportion of clients perceiving good and very good health has increased from about 30% to about 60%, while the proportion of those perceiving bad and very bad health decreased from 20% to about 5% from baseline to after months (Figure 5)
Clients improved social and employment status
Full time employment increased from 42% to 55% after 12 months It tended to increase more in clients with longer treatments The clients worked mostly for family businesses The involvement in crime activities in the past months was < % at the 12th month Family and social conflicts were also reduced
100%
80%
40% 60%
20%
0%
Baseline 3months 6months 9months 12months
11
1 1
72
47 46 47 49 15
49 49 49 47
1 3 4 4 4
Very good Good Average Bad Very bad
Figure 4: Self perception about quality of life
Figure 5: Self perception about overall health
100%
80%
40% 60%
20%
0%
Baseline 3months 6months 9months 12months
Very good Good Average Bad Very bad 18
5 6
50
34 37 36 39 30
57 53 54 53
2 4
Methadone evaluation study in Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City
2011
The study is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) The contents are the responsibility of the authors and not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government
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