[Factors associated with retention in a community-based methadone maintenance treatment among heroin addicts].

Objective To explore factors associated with retention in a community-based methadone maintenance treatment(MMT)among heroin addicts in Xichang of Sichuan province.Methods All 206 heroin addicts were first admitted to MMT community-based program between March to September 2004. Baseline data of patients characteristics,social function,drug using behaviors,sexual behaviors,dose of methadone and retention were collected.Results Up to Oct,2005,all 206 patients contributed 8.98± 5.74 person-months of following-up.The retention rates were 58.7% after 6 months and 34.6% after 12 months respectively.Cox proportional hazard regression model indicated that the employed(HR,0.60;95% CI,0.39—0.92),helping family to do housework in past 30 days more than once a day(HR,0.59;95% CI,0.42±0.82)and previous self-detoxification≥3 times(HR,0.65;95% CI,0.47—0.91)were independently associated with retention.Conclusion We should give individual counseling to help heroin addicts increasing compliance.