Predictors for dropping-out from methadone maintenance therapy programs among heroin users in southern Taiwan.
This study examined the methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) retention rates of heroin users in Taiwan and the predictors for dropout in the 18-month period after starting MMT. We consecutively recruited 368 intravenous heroin users receiving MMT in 2007-2008 and applied Cox proportional hazards regression analysis to determine the predictive effect of pre- and in-treatment variables on early discontinuation of MMT. The retention rate at 18 months was 32.3%. High heroin expenses, more severe harm caused by heroin use, perceived lower family support, and lower methadone dosage at 3 months after starting MMT increased the risk of dropout in the follow-up period.
Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Huang-Chi
HC
Lin
Kuei-Ying
KY
Chen
Peng-Wei
PW
Wang
Cheng-Fang
CF
Yen
Hung-Chi
HC
Wu
Chia-Nan
CN
Yen
Yi-Chun
YC
Yeh
Kung-Shang
KS
Chung
Hsun-Cheng
HC
Chang
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D016527:Drug Costs; D005260:Female; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D058850:Opiate Substitution Treatment; D010352:Patient Dropouts / Q000523:psychology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support; D013624:Taiwan
D008691:Methadone