Challenges in implementing opioid agonist therapy in Lebanon: a qualitative study from a user's perspective.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Opioid agonist therapy (OAT) has been implemented for the treatment of individuals with opioid use disorders in Lebanon since 2011, but has not been evaluated yet. The aim of the study is to describe the implementation of the first pilot OAT program in Lebanon from the users' perspective. METHODS:Data collectors gathered data from male participants during June 2016-July 2016. Eighty-one out of 94 patients agreed to participate in the study. Data regarding access to treatment, satisfaction with the treatment protocol and treatment outcomes, patient-provider relationship, and misuse and diversion was collected through semi-structured qualitative interviews. Data saturation was reached after 81 interviews; once no new themes were reported. RESULTS:Findings showed inequalities in ac

SUBMITTER: Ghaddar A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5909215 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature