Performance of methadone maintenance treatment in Zhejiang, 2008–2018

ObjectiveTo analyze the performance of methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) in Zhejiang province from 2008 to 2018, found existing problems and provide evidence for the improvement of MMT in drug use control and HIV infection prevention.

MethodsMMT data in Zhejiang from 2008 to 2018 were collected from national MMT information management system and MMT clinic reports for a descriptive analysis with SPSS 21.0.

ResultsA total of 105 MMT clinics were built from 2008 to 2018 which have provided treatment services for over 18000 persons. The highest number of treatment was 8060 in 2010. The lowest number of treatment was 3635 in 2018. The treatment dosage of MMT was between 39.91 mg/d and 43.83 mg/d. The positive conversion rate was between 0.07% and 0.08%. The annual treatment retention rate was between 60.17% and 84.37%, showing a gradual increasing trend. The number of persons who quitted the treatment began to exceed the number of new participants in 2011. The testing rates of HIV, HCV and syphilis were 0.19%–0.98%, 38.36%–62.24% and 4.36%–6.96% respectively, showing an increase trend with year.

ConclusionMMT in Zhejiang had an obvious decrease in number of treatments, and the treatment dosage was low. It is necessary to improve the accessibility, quality of MMT service and clinic staff capability and reduce treatment dropping out for the better drug use control and HIV infection prevention.