1306Methadone dose affects service satisfaction of HIV infected PWIDs treated on methadone in Myanmar. (2nd September 2021) - Tun, Sun
Abstract: Background: HIV prevalence among people who inject drugs (PWIDs) in Myanmar was 34.9%. This analysis identifies how methadone dose affects treatment satisfaction of HIV patients. Method: A total of 210 patients on methadone at least 6 months were recruited from five cities using stratified random sampling in Myanmar. Verona Service Satisfaction Scale for Methadone-Treatment (VSSS-MT) was administered to identify service satisfaction and urine samples were collected for identification of illicit drugs. Results: More than one-third (36.5%, n = 76) received high-dose (above 80mg/day), while the rest 63.5% received low-dose (less than 80mg/day). Almost half, 47% reported hepatitis C, 37% had reported HIV, and 16% had HIV and HCV. Among HIV cases, 68 (92%) were on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Myanmar's (ART) regimen: tenofovir, emtricitabine and efavirenz accounted for 86% which need a methadone dose adjustment. The majority, 89% were satisfied with the current methadone service. Specifically, 89.5% for professional skills, 91.9% satisfied for basic intervention and 74.6% satisfied for specific intervention (e.g. individual rehabilitation and psychotherapy) categories. Treatment satisfaction was estimated 2-times higher among HIV negative compared to HIV positive patients after adjusted dosage (IRR=0.49, p = 0.000). Conclusion: Significant dose adjustment is required for ART with Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors (NNRTIs). High dose adjustment is important for methadone patients on antiretroviral therapy with enzyme inducers. Key message: Estimated treatment satisfaction varies with infection status after adjusting for dose. Continuous treatment assessments are vital for HIV/HCV co-infections for effective service delivery.