Influence of methadone substitution therapy on criminal behaviour, drug abuse, and hiv risk behaviour among drug users in kilifi county: a case of the omari project

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of Methadone Substitution Therapy on criminal behaviour, drug abuse, and HIV risk behaviour among drug users in Kilifi County by The Omari Project Organization. To attain this purpose, the study determined the influence of Methadone Substitution Therapy on the criminal behaviour of drug users, the influence of Methadone Substitution Therapy on drug abuse among clients on methadone therapy, and the influence of the therapy on HIV risk behaviours among clients on the programme. The study used a descriptive survey design, whereby 48 clients and 7 programme staff were interviewed. Data was collected using questionnaires and analyzed using Chi-square test and SPSS. The findings of the study indicated a significant relationship between methadone therapy and crime among clients on the Methadone Substitution Therapy. The study also revealed a connection between methadone therapy and drug abuse among clients on methadone programme, as well as a significant relationship between HIV risk behaviours among clients on methadone programme.