Factors associated with adherence to methadone among heroin addicts attending the methadone assisted treatment clinics in Nairobi County

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined adherence levels and factors associated with adherence to methadone among heroin addicts enrolled in the methadone assisted treatment (MAT) clinics in Nairobi County.

Setting: Ngara and Mathari MAT clinics, Nairobi County.

Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study

Participants: Heroin addicts aged above 18 years, enrolled in the MAT clinics in Nairobi and had used methadone for at least 6 months. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and analysed using SPSS version 25.0, association between the variables was estimated using chi square statistics and Odds ratio. Differences between the parameter of estimate was deemed statistically significant at P<0.05.

Results: Of the 225 participants, 103 (45.8%) were adherent and 122 (54.2%) were non-adherent. There was significant association between adherence to methadone with male gender (p=0.035), younger age 18 to 39 years (p= 0.014), employment (p=0.027), low level of education (p=0.022), risky behaviours (p=0.009), Living with family (p=0.007), Living Alone (p= 0.029) Living on the streets (p= 0.000), Living with friends (p= 0.021), incarcerated (p= 0.0011), lack of family and friends support (p= 0.019), being discriminated (p= 0.030), being stigmatized (p= 0.039), being isolated (p= 0.012) being abused (p= 0.028). No significant association between adherence to methadone with marital status and religion.

Conclusion: The study found that 54.2% of heroin addicts attending MAT clinics in Nairobi County were non-adherent to methadone. The rate of non-adherence to methadone among heroin addicts at the MAT clinic is worrisome. Efforts are needed to improve adherence to MAT clinics by regular one on one adherence counselling, methadone awareness creation and decentralization of MAT clinics all over the country