Influence of social network on drug use among clients of methadone maintenance treatment centers in Kunming, China

Abstract

AimsTo examine drug use behavior of clients attending Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) programs and its relationship with the clients’ social network characteristics.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingFour MMT clinics in Kunming, Yunnan province, China.Participants324 consecutive MMT clients.MeasurementsA structured, self-completed questionnaire on background characteristics and existing social network. Current drug use was assessed by urine test for opiate metabolites.AnalysisThe association between client's social network characteristics and their own current drug use behavior is analysed using multiple logistic regression adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) are obtained to give the strength of the associations.FindingsMMT clients were more likely to concurrently use heroin while attending MMT if their social network had any of the following characteristics: more than half of the members were older than them (AOR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.00,1.06), any member had a high level of influence on them (AOR = 6.47, 95% CI = 2.86,14.65) and any member joined them in using drugs (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.04,3.63). Having a social network member who could provide emotional support (AOR = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.03,0.35), having a spouse and/or child in their social network (AOR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.24,0.81) and having a social network member with a high level of closeness (AOR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.09,0.90) were associated with a decreased odds of heroin use.ConclusionSocial networks who could provide MMT clients with emotional support and a close relationship were significant factors for reducing the risk of concurrent drug use among clients attending MMT clinics in Kunming, China. Behavioral interventions should address the role of family and social network members in providing support to these clients.

Six-month retention and changes in quality of life and substance use from a low-threshold methadone maintenance therapy programme in Durban, South Africa

“…We infer that this is the result of connections with significant others, including the multi-disciplinary project team, peers and family members. These kinds of connections have been found to reduce feelings of stigmatisation and marginalisation and allow for life normalisation [57,58]. While the analysis did not indicate any notable change in overall physical health, it is useful to bear in mind that there was low HIV prevalence at baseline, which did not change after 6 months.…”

The Association between Living Status Transitions, Behavior Changes and Family Relationship Improvement among Methadone Maintenance Treatment Participants in Guangdong, China

“…This can be a barrier to reacceptance by family members. A previous study also indicated that clients with a social network including members using drugs were more likely to concurrently use drugs [48]. Getting out of drug-addicted social relationships can not only help avoid relapse triggers but can also deliver a signal to their family that they are free from drugs in a turn to bring a more positive view of their relationships.…”

Participation pattern of methadone users and its association with social connection and HIV status: Analyses of electronic health records data

“…Ethnicity was also associated with social connections, as reported previously that, ethnic minorities preferred to build racial homophilic connections. [19] Yet such social relationship can be a double-edged sword—emotional support from network members could offer emotional support which in turn reduced heroin use and encouragement and discussion on HIV risks with peers would reduce engagement in sexual risk behaviours; [22–23] on the other hand, such relationships may facilitate needle sharing practice,[24] thereby hampering the effort of harm reduction and HIV prevention.…”