Societal Perception and Support for Methadone Maintenance Treatment in a Chinese Province with High HIV Prevalence

Abstract

Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) was first piloted in April 2004 in Yunnan, China, to reduce HIV transmission. This study aimed to examine public support for MMT and was based on cross-sectional data collected in March-April 2006 on a random sample of 411 police staff, medical/health professionals, community members, and drug users. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to analyze the data. The support was the strongest amongst the police and medical professionals but the lowest in drug users. A considerable proportion of the respondents viewed MMT as contradictory to China's drug control policies and this factor was negatively associated with support for MMT. Dissemination of more accurate knowledge and the resolution of these conflicts are urgently needed to increase the public support for MMT.

Exploring stakeholder perceptions of facilitators and barriers to accessing methadone maintenance clinics in Yunnan Province, China

“…These suggestions took many forms: providing general explanations of MMT, working with community leaders, and linking MMT to other services. Other studies have found levels of awareness and understanding among IDUs regarding the availability and benefits of harm reduction as a strong determinant of participation (Philbin et al, 2008;Tkatchenko-Schmidt et al, 2008;Yang et al, 2008). Some drug users and NGO members stated support for total abstinence.…”

“…Studies report concerns among IDUs that utilizing harm reduction services would lead to the discovery of their status, resulting in increased stigma and prosecution by local police (Hammett et al, 2005b;Lu, Zhao, Bao, & Shi, 2008;Tkatchenko-Schmidt et al, 2008;Yang et al, 2008). Specific numbers of arrests are difficult to determine, but reports suggest that 10Á30% of IDUs spend time in a detoxification center each year (Reid & Costigan, 2002).…”

“…Both psychological support and therapy Á motivational enhancement therapy and motivational interviewing Á have shown to increase effectiveness and retention rates within MMT clinics (Lu et al, 2008;Malcolm, 2003;Powell-Cope, White, Henkelman, & Turner, 2003). An evaluation of Chinese MMT clinics noted that, though psychological counseling is an important component of treatment to increase levels of retention, it was available in few places (Pang & Hao, 2007;Yang et al, 2008). Interviewees proposed the provision of psychological services and did not mention knowing of available counselors; the Chinese government reports that by July 2006 all MMT clinics had counselors (UNTG, 2007b).…”

“…More specifically, this study explores facilitators, barriers, and challenges to accessing MMT as well as suggestions for improving existing clinics. Previous articles have called for further research within China to understand low attendance and high drop-out rates in MMT clinics, why IDUs' support is low, and how to increase MMT's effectiveness (Pang & Hao, 2007;Peles, Schreiber, & Adelson, 2006;Qian et al, 2006;Yang et al, 2008). By examining this issue, we aim to help fill this gap and qualitatively identify challenges to accessing existing MMT clinics.…”

Relationships between received and perceived social support and health-related quality of life among patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment in Mainland China

“…Furthermore, the findings suggest that, aside from routine treatments, MMT clinical staff might offer more comprehensive interventions for patients and their family members, friends, and/or significant others, such as health education or counseling, family support training, and MMT knowledge lectures, all of which can be useful for establishing an accurate understanding of MMT among patients and reducing negative attitudes toward MMT patients among family members, and perhaps, society at large. Yang et al [45] concluded that dissemination of more accurate MMT knowledge and resolution of conflicting perspectives of MMT are urgently needed to increase societal support for MMT patients. With sufficient support received from society, patients’ perceived support would likely demonstrate a corresponding increase, thereby helping improve their HRQoL during long-term MMT.…”