Factors associated with nicotine dependence during methadone maintenance treatment: findings from a multisite survey in Vietnam

Abstract

ObjectivesSmoking is associated with adverse health outcomes among drug users, including those in treatment. To date, however, there has been little evidence about smoking patterns among people receiving opioid-dependence treatment in developing countries. We examined self-reported nicotine dependence and associated factors in a large sample of opioid-dependent patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) in northern Vietnam.SettingFive clinics in Hanoi (urban area) and Nam Dinh (rural area).ParticipantsPatients receiving MMT in the settings during the study period.Primary and secondary outcome measuresWe collected data about smoking patterns, levels of nicotine dependence and other covariates such as socioeconomic status, health status, alcohol use and drug use. The Fagerström test was used to measure nicotine dependence (FTND). Logistic regression and Tobit regression were employed to examine relationships between the smoking rate, nicotine dependence and potentially associated variables.ResultsAmong 1016 drug users undergoing MMT (98.7% male), 87.2% were current smokers. The mean FTND score was 4.5 (SD 2.4). Longer duration of MMT (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96 to 0.99) and being HIV-positive (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.88) were associated with lower likelihood of smoking. Being employed, older age at first drug injection and having long duration of MMT were inversely related with FTND scores. Higher age and continuing drug and alcohol use were significantly associated with higher FTND scores.ConclusionSmoking prevalence is high among methadone maintenance drug users. Enhanced smoking cessation support should be integrated into MMT programmes in order to reduce risk factors for cigarette smoking and improve the health and well-being of people recovering from opiate dependence.

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptom Status in a Mixed Gender Population of Opioid-Maintained Prison Inmates

“…The context of prison has been described as a pro-smoking sort of environment. Do et al [85] confirmed a smoking rate of over 80% in opioidmaintained individuals in non-prison settings.…”

Follow-up Study of Drug Use, Depression, and Anxiety Reduction and Quality of Life in Addicts on Methadone Maintenance Therapy

“…In other studies, the proportion of men to women has been often high. In the study by Do et al, 98.7% of addicts were men (15). This rate was reported as 100% in the study by Wang et al (16).…”

Alcohol and tobacco use among methadone maintenance patients in Vietnamese rural mountainside areas

“…However, characteristics of addicted patients may vary across settings. Some studies found that people with higher duration of MMT were less likely to drink hazardously or smoking heavily ( Baran-Furga et al, 2005 , Do et al, 2017 , Duan et al, 2017 ), while others indicates no association ( Stark & Campbell, 1993b ). Song Duan et al (2017) in China found that male, older and less educated patients had higher likelihood to be heavy smokers and hazardous drinkers ( Duan et al, 2017 ).…”

“…Song Duan et al (2017) in China found that male, older and less educated patients had higher likelihood to be heavy smokers and hazardous drinkers ( Duan et al, 2017 ). Meanwhile, Huyen et al in Vietnam suggested that being employed was a negative predictor of level of nicotine dependence ( Do et al, 2017 ). Patients with HIV positive were found to have lower likelihood of smoking and alcohol abusing than those with HIV negative ( Do et al, 2017 , Duan et al, 2017 ).…”

“…Meanwhile, Huyen et al in Vietnam suggested that being employed was a negative predictor of level of nicotine dependence ( Do et al, 2017 ). Patients with HIV positive were found to have lower likelihood of smoking and alcohol abusing than those with HIV negative ( Do et al, 2017 , Duan et al, 2017 ). With these variabilities of potential markers for predicting alcohol and smoking addicts among MMT patients, understanding the factors associated with these risk behaviors is essential in order to ensure the effectiveness of MMT program.…”