The attitudes of medical doctors and other key professionals regarding opioid substitution therapy in Kazakhstan

Background A number of studies across countries have proven that the methadone maintenance program, if efficiently started and implemented, is really effective tool both for treatment of opioid dependence and harm reduction. The expansion of methadone substitution programmes in Kazakhstan may have a positive influence upon the health and social climate inside the country. The main target of this research is to survey the attitudes of medical doctors regarding opioid substitution treatment in Kazakhstan. Methods The study was composed of two surveys. Questionnaires were distributed (administered by electronic mail) to 17 centres for drug addiction treatment all over Kazakhstan. 19 medical doctors not yet providing opioid substitution treatment and 6 medical doctors enrolled in opioid substitution treatment responded to the questionnaire. Two therapists also participated this research and their responses are mentioned as well. Quantitative data were supplemented and enhanced by use of qualitative data obtained by analysis of original documents and by interviews with two key informants. Attitudes were measured using both multiple and single choice question types and a 5 point Likert scale. Findings Individual viewpoints of the first group of participants varied, but not largely. The fraction of the..