Perceived barriers to utilise methadone maintenance therapy among male injection drug users in rural areas of southern T hailand

and Aims Methadone maintenance therapy ( MMT ) has been proven to be effective and cost‐effective in treating dependence on opioids. However, concerns remain that geographical, financial and other hidden barriers may hinder access to MMT , especially in rural areas where health services are limited. The objective of this study was to determine factors associated with utilisation of MMT by injection drug users ( IDU s) living in S ongkhla province. Design and Methods A cross‐sectional study among 159 IDU s in S ongkhla province of southern T hailand was conducted. Participants were recruited using a snowball technique. Data were collected from J uly 2013 to J anuary 2014 via face‐to‐face interviews. Results Around one‐forth (24.5%) of participants had difficulties travelling to MMT clinics because of the long distance, long travelling time and lack of a private vehicle. Twenty‐four percent faced difficulties with the clinic's opening hours and 28% faced difficulties paying for the cost of travel. IDU s who utilised the MMT perceived risks of injection drug use differently compared with those who did not. Younger or M uslim IDU s were less likely to attend MMT . IDU s who perceived that MMT was effective were more likely to utilise MMT . Discussion and Conclusions Physical accessibility, affordability and acceptability play an essential role in MMT utilisation. Developing alternatives that reduce the travelling time, costs for IDU s and more convenient operation hours to suit their lifestyles may increase the utilisation of MMT . Intensive consultation before starting MMT is highly recommended. [Khampang R, Assanangkornchai S, Teerawattananon Y. Perceived barriers to utilise methadone maintenance therapy among male injection drug users in rural areas of southern Thailand. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:645–53]