PERSONNEL-CLIENTS INTERACTION IN METHADONE MAINTENANCE THERAPY CLINICS IN JAKARTA, TANGERANG, AND BEKASI 2016

Abstract

Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT) was one of Drugs harm reduction programmes toward HIV infection increase which has been held in Indonesia since 2001. MMT implementation is very complex due to the clients who are drug users (IDUs) generally have deviant behavior and tendencies to do criminal. The rate of dropped out clients was stay high. This research aims to investigate the perceptions of health personnels, clients, and MMT managements about the advantages and the disadvantages of MMT program and the needs for maintancance and sustainability of the program with improved implementation (resolution of problems and obstacles restrictions) and to ensure optimal results. This research used qualitative research design, exploratory research. There were 59 clients, 36 health professionals, and 12 people from the management from 12 MMT clinics in Jakarta, Tangerang, and Bekasi. The data was collected during February to June 2016.  The result of the study showed that most of the clients took methadone while the health professionals gave prescribed the methadone and provided the counselling at MMT clinics. Almost all of the health professionals, managers and clients perceived MMT as beneficial. On the other side, half of the health professionals and clients still considered that there were some weakness of the MMT.  The conclusion of the study was that MMT is still needed to be held and some improvements are needed too. The clinics fascilities, both infrastructure and human resources need to be fulfilled, especially for counselling, in MMT clinics organized by primary health care.