A qualitative study exploring the reason for low dosage of methadone prescribed in the MMT clinics in China
A qualitative study exploring the reason for low dosage of methadone prescribed in the MMT clinics in China
复制标题
DOI:
10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2011.01.004
复制
发表时间:
2011-08-01
影响因子:
4.2
通讯作者:
Detels, Roger
中科院分区:
文献类型:
--
作者:
Lin, Chunqing;Detels, Roger
Objectives: Dosage of methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) is an important factor influencing retention in methadone treatment. MMT clients in China received lower dosages of methadone compared with those provided in other countries. The objective of this study is to elucidate the reason for the low methadone dosage prescribed in MMT clinics in China.Methods: Twenty-eight service providers were recruited from the MMT clinics in Zhejiang and Jiangxi Provinces, China. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted to ascertain the procedure for prescribing methadone in the MMT clinics.Results: The average dosage prescribed in the 28 clinics was 35 mg/person/day. Four major themes resulting in low dosage of methadone were identified: (1) the service providers fear the liability resulting from large closes of methadone in combination with other substances which might result in overdose fatalities, (2) lack of understanding of harm reduction which resulted in low acceptance of the long term maintenance treatment approach, (3) break-down in communication between clients and service providers about dosage adjustment, and (4) dosage reduction is perceived by most service providers as an effective way to treat the side-effects associated with MMT.Conclusions: The findings of the study highlighted the necessity to formulate clear guidelines concerning individualized dosage management and to improve training among service providers' in MMT clinics in China. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.