Investigation of Repeat Client Drop-Out and Re-Enrolment Cycles in Fourteen Methadone Maintenance Treatment Clinics in Guangdong,China |
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| Authors: | Lei Zhang Xia Zou Di Zhang Xiaoling Li Peizhen Zhao Li Ling |
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| Institution: | 1. Sun Yat-sen Centre for Migrant Health Policy, Sun Yat-sen University, #74, Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China.; 2. The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.; 3. Faculty of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, #74, Zhongshan Road II, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China.; 4. Office of Medical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, P. R. China.; Medical University of Vienna, AUSTRIA, |
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| Abstract: | ObjectiveClient adherence is vital for effective methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). This study explores the pattern and associated factors of client adherence, drop-out and re-enrolment in the Chinese MMT programme over the period of 2006–2013.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted in 14 MMT clinics in Guangdong Province, China. We employed Kaplan-Meier survival analysis to estimate the rates of drop-out and re-enrolment of MMT clients and multivariate Cox regression to identify associated factors.ResultsAmong 1,512 study participants, 79% have experienced ‘drop-out’ during the 7-year study period. However, 82% ‘dropped-out’ clients resumed treatment at a later time. Low education level (junior high or below versus otherwise, HR = 1.21, 1.05–1.40), low methadone dosage in the first treatment episode (<50 ml versus ≥50 ml, HR = 1.84, 1.64–2.06) and higher proportion of positive urine test (≥50% versus<50%, HR = 3.72, 3.30–4.20) during the first treatment episode were strong predictors of subsequent drop-outs of the participants. Among the ‘dropped-out’ clients, being female (HR = 1.40, 1.23–1.60), being married (HR = 1.19, 1.09–1.30), and having a higher proportion of positive urine tests in the first treatment episode (≥50% versus<50%, HR = 1.35, 1.20–1.51) had greater likelihood of subsequent re-enrolment in MMT. Clients receiving lower methadone dosage (first treatment episode <50 ml versus ≥50 ml, HR = 1.12, 1.03–1.23; the last intake before drop-out <50 ml versus ≥50 ml, HR = 1.16, 1.04–1.30) were also more likely to re-enrol.ConclusionPersistent cycling in-and-out of clients in MMT programmes is common. Insufficient dosage and higher proportion of positive urine samples in the first treatment episode are the key determinants for subsequent client drop-out and re-enrolment. Interventions should target clients in their early stage of treatment to improve retention in the long term. |
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