Prevalence of Polydrug Use in Patients Undergoing Methadone Assisted Therapy in Nairobi County

Abstract

Polydrug Use (PDU) among Methadone Assisted Therapy (MAT) continues to be a global concern with users engaging in concurrent intake of more than one psychoactive substance.  However, due to the increased risks of drug abuse in society today, polydrug users are now seeking opioids use disorder (OUD) treatment in Methadone Assisted Therapy (MAT) which is undoubtedly associated with withdrawal and craving challenges. This paper therefore evaluates the prevalence of polydrug use among MAT patients in Nairobi County Kenya. Guided by the social learning theory, this study used a mixed methods approach comprising both quantitative and qualitative data. The target population comprised 2121 patients from two MAT clinics in the county from which a sample of 120 respondents was drawn through random sampling technique with 60 in treatment group and 60 in control group.  A quasi-experimental research design with pre and post strategy was utilized in experimental group site 1 and control group site 2. Both treatment and control group received baseline and endline assessment and MAT treatment. The experimental group receive MI with instant assessment and feedback through engaging, focusing, evoking and planning and assessment for readiness to reduce polydrug use through self-rating readiness ruler. Control group received Zero MI treatment. Base line assessment was done for 5 to 10 minutes using TimeLine Fallback for polydrug use while End line assessment was done using the same tools after 3 months. Data analysis was descriptively conducted to determine the prevalence of polydrug use among MAT patients used with findings presented in tables and charts.