title: Opiate users' perceived barriers against attending methadone maintenance therapy: a qualitative study in China.
abstract: Methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) in China is facing challenges such as high relapse rates and low coverage. The study assessed factors influencing MMT utilization among opiate users. In-depth interviews were conducted among 30 opiate users in 2008 to ascertain the barriers against seeking MMT. Data were analyzed using ATLAS.ti. Barriers to the treatment included requirement of registration with police, perceived discrimination, logistic difficulties, side effects, fear of being addicted to another drug, lack of additional services, and economic burden. The result suggests the need for structural changes such as improving comprehensive services, simplifying application procedure, and enhancing referral system. The study's limitations are noted.
authors.affiliation: Semel Institute Center for Community Health, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA. lincq@ucla.edu
authors.forename: Chunqing
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Zunyou
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Roger
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Detels
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002681:China; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D008691:Methadone