A 5-year Evaluation Study on Retention Status Among Patients Attending Methadone Replacement Therapy (MRT) In Kuala Selangor District, Malaysia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56532/mjsat.v5i1.446Keywords:
Methadone, Opiate Replacement Therapy , Opiate Substitution TherapyAbstract
This retrospective observational cohort study involved patients who received Methadone Replacement Therapy (MRT) in Kuala Selangor from January 2019 to April 2023. It evaluates a 5-year retention rate and factors influencing 1-year retention among 113 MRT patients in Kuala Selangor. Samples were recruited using universal sampling and data were collected using 3 sets of questionnaires; patient’s demographic, Opiate Treatment Index (OTI), and WHO Quality of Life (WHOQOL)-Brief. Results showed a decreasing retention rate over five years (100% to 76.5%). Significant factors included physical health (p=0.009, OR=0.840) and social functioning (p=0.023, OR=0.854). Distance, education, employment, and marital status were found to be not significant. In conclusion, improving patient insights regarding their health conditions and social support are critical for continuity in care.
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