• Original article (Clinical research) • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Evaluation of hepatitis C virus infection and treatment motivation among patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment

ZHANG Lei1, LI Zhi-bin2, HAN Hui1, DU Jiang1, ZHAO Min1   

  1. 1.Department of Substance Abuse and Addiction, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China; 2.Shanghai Jiading Mental Health Center, Shanghai 201806, China
  • Online:2016-09-28 Published:2016-10-31
  • Supported by:

    National Key Clinical Disciplines at Shanghai Mental Health Center, OMA-MH 2011-873; Shanghai Municipal Education Commission—Gaofeng Clinical Medicine Grant Support,20152235

Abstract:

Objective·To investigate the hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, knowledge related to hepatitis C virus, and treatment motivation among the heroin dependents treated in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) clinics and to provide evidence for formulating related intervention strategies in the future. Methods·Two hundred and forty participants receiving MMT underwent serologic test to evaluate HCV infection among them. HCV related knowledge questionnaire, AUDIT, Stigma Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory were used to assess patients. Results·The HCV infection rate among participants was 70.0% (168/240) and most of them were co-infected with hepatitis A (43.3%). HCV knowledge scores were low due to lack of self-protection consciousness and average scores were 6.5±3.5. The main factor affecting the motivation to treatment is treatment costs. Conclusion·The HCV infection rate in MMT patients is high and the patients lack related knowledge. The factors influencing the motivation for treatment are complicated.

Key words: methadone maintenance treatment, hepatitis C virus, heroin dependent