The Mediating Effect of Perceived Social Support on the Relationships between Quality of Life and Retention among Opioids Dependence in Methadone Maintenance Treatment

• Main Authors: Mahadzirah, Mohamad, Nor Azman, Mat Ali @ Salim, Mohd Ekhwan, Toriman
• Format: Conference or Workshop Item
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: R Medicine (General); RA Public aspects of medicine
• Online Access: http://eprints.unisza.edu.my/304/1/FH03-FESP-15-02930.pdf; http://eprints.unisza.edu.my/304/

Drug addiction is categorized as a chronic disease and it requires treatment similar to other diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) was introduced in Malaysia since 2005 to suppress opiate withdrawal symptoms, reduce craving for opiate, not induce intoxication and reduce the euphoric effects of others opiates such heroin. In addition, MMT improves patients‟ health status and quality of life. Studies found that the longer the time spent in MMT, the more likely the patient will remain crime-free and reduce their use of heroin. Nevertheless, client retention rate in the MMT treatment had an inverse relationship with time. The objectives of this study are firstly to investigate the effects of quality of life using Maqasid Syariah approach on client retention. Secondly, the study will evaluate the effect of quality of life on perceived social support. Thirdly, the study will evaluate the effect of perceived social support and retention. Lastly, the study will examine the mediating effect of perceived social support on the relationship between quality of life and client retention. The study will be conducted among opioid dependence enrolling in MMT programmes at the selected government clinics and hospitals in Terengganu. Findings of the study would provide insightful information pertaining to the different aspects of quality of life and perceived social support that would improve the retention of opioid dependence in MMT programme.