title: An exploratory qualitative assessment of self-reported treatment outcomes and satisfaction among patients accessing an innovative voluntary drug treatment centre in Malaysia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In Malaysia, compulsory drug detention centres (CDDCs) hold suspected drug users for two years without adjudication. Acute detoxification without healthcare access has been documented. CDDCs are criticized globally due to ineffectiveness in treating addiction and human rights violations. In response, the Malaysian government began transitioning these facilities into voluntary drug treatment centres known as "Cure and Care" (C&C) centres that embrace a holistic treatment-based approach to drug addiction rehabilitation.
  
  
  METHODS
  An explorative qualitative study was undertaken to explore patient perspectives and satisfaction regarding treatment and services at the new Cure and Care centre in Kota Bharu, Malaysia. A convenience sample of 20 patients was recruited to participate in semi-structured in-depth interviews. Content analysis was used to identify the salient themes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients identified methadone treatment, psychosocial programs, religious instruction, and recreational activities as important factors contributing to treatment success for addressing both health and addiction needs. Though many had previously been in a CDDC, adherence to treatment in the C&C centre was perceived to be facilitated by the degree of social support, the voluntary nature and the array of new programs available for selection.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  C&Cs represents a dramatic shift in the Malaysian government's approach to drug addiction. Our findings demonstrate positive patient experiences associated with the holistic treatment-based approach of these centres. This exploratory study provides additional evidence to document this ongoing policy transition and may guide continued expansion of new holistic drug treatment programs across the country.
authors.affiliation: Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
authors.forename: Mansur A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Ghani
authors.affiliation: Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
authors.forename: Shan-Estelle
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.affiliation: Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
authors.forename: Farrah
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.affiliation: Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
authors.forename: Jeffrey A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Wickersham
authors.affiliation: Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Sin How
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.affiliation: National Anti-Drug Agency, Ministry of Home Affairs, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Sangeeth K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Dhaliwal
authors.affiliation: Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, Connecticut, USA; Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Adeeba
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kamarulzaman
authors.affiliation: Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, Connecticut, USA; Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Electronic address: frederick.altice@yale.edu.
authors.forename: Frederick L
authors.initials: FL
authors.lastname: Altice
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D055030:Drug Users / Q000523:psychology*; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008296:Malaysia; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D057566:Self Report; D012944:Social Support; D016320:Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Compulsory drug detention centres; Malaysia; Patient satisfaction; Qualitative research; Voluntary addiction treatment