Gender Differences Among Patients With Hepatitis C Virus Undergoing Rehabilitation Through Methadone Maintenance Treatment

Objectives: Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a health problem among patients undergoing rehabilitation through methadone maintenance treatment in Iran, the most populous Persian Gulf country. The study aimed to examine gender differences among a group of methadone maintenance treatment patients with HCV problem. Methods: Overall 150 patients (n=75 men, n=75 women) were enrolled from nine methadone clinics in Tehran. The study was conducted between July 2013 and June 2014. Participants of the two genders were compared in baseline characteristics, perceived stress, social support, coping strategies and mental health. Results: Men were more likely to report being currently on parole than women (χ²(1)=9.23). Age of first illicit drug use was significantly higher among men than women (t(121)=2.43). Men were more likely to report drug injection in the last 12 months compared with women (χ²(1)=4.62). Men were more likely to report criminal charges (t(121)=2.21) and being in correctional facilities (χ²(1)=5.32) compared with women. Women reported higher levels of emotion-focused coping than men. Despite women reporting more social support [4.20(0.79)], they also reported higher levels of emotion-focused coping [2.66(0.55)] than men. Women were more likely to have a current mental health disorder (χ²(1)=8.15) than men. Discussion: The study results demonstrated some gender differences in baseline characteristics and psychological problems. Such differences may have important impacts on methadone treatment outcomes. Further studies are suggested.