Abstract
Introduction: Access to treatment for disorders related to the abuse of psychoactive substances is a global public health priority. In 2021, the Centre for Addiction Support and Care in Abidjan (CASA) was created to address the issue of care provision through an integrated approach combining opioid substitution therapy. The aim of the study was to determine the epidemiological profile and describe the treatment outcomes of drug users seeking care at CASA.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over a four-year period from 2021 to 2024. Using a structured questionnaire, sociodemographic characteristics, consumption patterns, and clinical and therapeutic outcomes were collected. The data were analyzed using EpiInfo version 7.2.5.
Results: Those receiving methadone treatment were young adults (40 ± 10.33 years), predominantly male (61.1%), living in precarious circumstances with a daily income of less than 2 USD (58.3 per cent). They had co-morbidities (66.6%), such as HIV (33.3%), HCV (33.3%), and tuberculosis (25%). They were poly-drug users (100%) who had experienced relapses (83.3%), mainly linked to a disruption in the supply of substitution treatment (60%). Treatment outcomes were generally favorable, with 73.3% in the recovery phase.
Conclusion: Our study presents a profile of drug users seeking treatment who were in vulnerable situations and have a high prevalence of communicable diseases. Whilst the effectiveness of methadone maintenance treatment is well established, ensuring its effective availability remains a major challenge for those seeking treatment at CASA.
Keywords
People who use drugs, Opioids substitution treatment, Methadone, Epidemiological profile, Treatment outcomes