title: Changing attitudes and beliefs of staff working in methadone maintenance programs.
abstract: Starting in 1989, an attempt was made to change the aim of methadone treatment in NSW from abstinence to harm-minimisation. A study was undertaken to measure change in attitudes among staff working in public methadone programs in Sydney. Using scales developed in a 1989 survey, we found a statistically significant and meaningful reduction in support for abstinence-oriented policies had occurred by 1992. There was no change in staff's support for the punishment of illicit drug use or their knowledge of the risks and benefits of methadone maintenance. This suggests problems with staff attitudes and, indirectly, the effectiveness of public health interventions, can be addressed using educational campaigns.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Sydney, New South Wales. johnc@dph1.health.usyd.edu.au
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Caplehorn
authors.forename: T S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Lumley
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Irwig
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Saunders
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009294:Narcotics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D000078329:Workforce
chemical_list: D009294:Narcotics; D008691:Methadone