Change in quality of life and its predictors in heroin users receiving methadone maintenance treatment in Taiwan: an 18-month follow-up study. Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 2012 May;38(3):213-9.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22352836
METHODS:
A total of 368 intravenous heroin users receiving MMT in southern Taiwan between 2007 and 2008 were interviewed using the Taiwan version of
the Brief Version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument (WHOQOL-BREF) at baseline and after 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 months of treatment. Demographic and substance-use characteristics, severity of heroin use, HIV serostatus, criminal record, and family function data were collected during baseline interviews. Data on methadone dosage at each follow-up point and the duration of retention in the MMT program were also collected.
RESULTS:
Improvement in QOL was rapid during the first 3 months after initiation of MMT and slowed beyond the 3-month point.
A higher dosage of methadone predicted a better QOL. In addition, longer retention in the program may be associated with a better QOL.
