title: Two-year outcomes of methadone maintenance therapy at a clinic in Malaysia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The commencement of methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) in 2005 represents a quantum leap in the management of heroin dependence in Malaysia.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To examine the 2-year outcomes of this modality in the treatment of heroin dependence with respect to the quality of life (QOL), heroin abstinence, and rate of employment among heroin dependants attending the Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital (HTAA) MMT clinic.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was an experimental study in which the second QOL assessment was conducted 2 years after treatment initiation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 172 patients enrolled at the point of entry to the MMT program. The authors examined 107 patients who remained in the program 2 years later (62.6% retention rate). A paired t test demonstrated significant improvements in all 4 domains of QOL (physical, psychological, social relationships, and environment; P < .001). The most marked improvement was noted in the psychological domain.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The MMT program at HTAA is effective in improving the QOL among heroin dependants.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Bandar Indera Mahkota, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia ramlidr@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Ramli
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Musa
authors.forename: Ahmad Zafri
authors.initials: AZ
authors.lastname: Abu Bakar
authors.forename: Umeed
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Ali Khan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006268:Health Facilities; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008296:Malaysia; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011788:Quality of Life; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D008691:Methadone