Effect of medication-assisted treatment on psychosocial well-being among patients with opioid use disorder

A case of Mathari National Teaching and Referral hospital Nairobi City County

Abstract

Opioid use is an epidemic globally. Although medication-assisted treatment has been effectivein the treatment of opioid use disorder and the improvement of psychosocial well-being, the epidemic continues with the number of those using opioids increasing, causing a heavy burden of disease and a strain on the healthcare system in many countries. The purpose of the study was to establish the effect of medication-assisted treatment on psychosocial well-being among patients with opioid use disorder in Mathari National Teaching and Referral hospital. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study targeting a population of 1211 patients. The sample size comprised 255 patients obtained using the systematic random sampling technique. The study used Carol Riff’s harm reduction models. Data collection was through questionnaires that were completed by the respondents. The interview schedule was used for the key informants (doctors, nurses, psychologists, and social workers). The instrument reliability and validity were assessed. Data was analysed using a statistical package for social science (SPSS) Version 24.0. The presentation of the results was through tables, pie charts, and graphs. The study findings revealed that most of the respondents were on medicationassisted treatment at 96.3%. There was a reduction in withdrawal symptoms, overdoses, and the number of those injecting drugs, hence a reduction in HIV, hepatitis, and T.B infections. There was resumption to school, employment, and business. However, there was a 40% relapse. The study concluded that there was a statistically significant relationship between MAT and psychosocial wellbeing among patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) as demonstrated by significant Pearson Correlation (r=0.247, p<0.05). Addressing the issue of relapse is important for strengthening the MAT program. Appropriate and programmatic interventions by the policymakers and stakeholders would improve the patients’ psychosocial wellbeing. The study would be useful for future reference by other researchers. It is important to carry out related studies in other MAT clinics in Kenya for comparative purposes. A longitudinal study on the variables under investigation in this current study for five years would be interesting. It is pertinent to decentralize MAT services