Case study: Methadone maintenance treatment in Hanoi, Vietnam

Case study: Methadone maintenance treatment in Hanoi, Vietnam

Methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) was introduced in the rapidly developing semi-rural district of Tu Liem in Hanoi in December, 2009. Commune police play an integral role in determining which injecting drug users (IDUs) are eligible to commence and continue MMT. This case study highlights the importance of providing training to commune police about MMT to mitigate negative impacts drug law en...

A longitudinal and case-control study of dropout among drug users in methadone maintenance treatment in Haiphong, Vietnam

BACKGROUND Vietnam began providing methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) in 2008; as of June 2016, 44,479 persons who inject drugs (PWID) were in treatment in 57 provinces. However, 10-23% of patients were estimated to have dropped out of treatment during the first 2 years. We evaluated dropout and factors associated with quitting treatment. METHODS We followed clients ≥ 18 years old enrolled i...

Methadone maintenance treatment.

Dose-Dependent Effects of Methadone on QT interval in Patients under Methadone Maintenance Treatment

Background: The role of methadone in QTc prolongation, Torsades de Pointes (TdP) arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death has been debated. Because of widespread use of methadone in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) centers, we aimed to study dose-related effects of methadone on QTc prolongation. Methods: In a comparative observational study, 90 patients who were under MMT were evaluated. Patien...

Stigmatization among methadone maintenance treatment patients in mountainous areas in northern Vietnam

BACKGROUND Stigma and discrimination may adversely affect the benefits of methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) for drug users, especially in disadvantaged settings. This study assessed stigma and discrimination against MMT patients in the mountainous and rural areas in Vietnam and explored their associated factors to inform implementation strategies. METHODS We interviewed 241 MMT patients i...