Acceptability and attitude towards use of digital interventions in substance use disorders psychosocial treatment: a study of healthcare providers at a Methadone Clinic in Kenya

Abstract

Digital interventions have been used for psychosocial treatment in substance use disorder but there is limited research on their application in Kenya. Determining the acceptability and attitude towards use of digital intervention in substance use disorder psychosocial treatment is important. The aim of this study was to assess the acceptability and attitude of healthcare providers towards use of digital interventions for psychosocial treatment at a methadone clinic in Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was carried out among healthcare providers. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic variables and acceptability and attitude towards use of digital interventions in substance use disorder treatment. Technology acceptance model (TAM) was used as conceptual basis for this study. Data was analyzed using SPSS whereby a descriptive analysis was conducted and Pearson’s coefficient used to assess the relationship between the TAM constructs. The data is summarized in tables, figures and a graph. Twenty-one health care providers participated comprising 76.2% females and mean age of 33 (SD 6.9) years, of which 66.7% had training in addiction and 23.8% had ever used digital intervention previously. Acceptability was high with 90.5% agreeing that psychosocial treatment can be provided through digital interventions, 80.9% reported digital intervention would improve access to treatment and 76.2% viewed a digital intervention as cost effective. Majority  (76.2%) agreed that digital intervention can influence substance use and patients would benefit from the intervention. Using the technology acceptance model, perceived ease of use was associated with perceived usefulness and attitude toward using; and perceived usefulness was associated with attitude towards use. These findings show a high acceptability and positive attitude towards use of digital interventions in substance use disorder treatment among the health care providers at a methadone clinic. This can inform design and implementation of digital interventions among individuals with substance use disorders in Kenya to improve patient outcome.