The Prevalence of Methamphetamine Dependence among Iranian Women in Methadone Maintenance Therapy in Tehran, Iran

Objective: To date, there has been no specific survey of the prevalence of methamphetamine (MA) dependence among Iranian women in methadone maintenance therapy (MMT). The current study aimed at addressing this critical gap in the literature. Method: This study was part of a larger cross-sectional survey, which was conducted in 36 MMT clinics in Tehran during 2015 and 2016. A researcher-designed questionnaire was devised to collect data on demographics and drug and treatment characteristics. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 19. Results: Overall, 307 women were in the study sites. Of them, 275 were MA dependent (89.5%) while in MMT. The mean age of the participants, who were MA-dependent, was 38 years. Age of MA dependence was 30 years, and duration of MA dependence was 7years. However, only 24.3% of the participants were currently in MA treatment (i.e. Matrix Model). This was accompanied with high rates of psychiatric hospitalization (29.4%), anxiety (33.4%), and depression (50.9%) because of long years of untreated MA dependence. Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of untreated MA dependence and its adverse health impacts among the participants. However, no considerable treatment for MA dependence had been received by the participants. Psychosocial treatments should address MA dependence in MMT in Iran.