Assessment on the Contribution of Medically- Assisted Treatment (MAT) in Supporting Drug Addicted Individuals: A Case of Tumbi Clinic.

Msoke, Haruna Twaibu (2024) Assessment on the Contribution of Medically- Assisted Treatment (MAT) in Supporting Drug Addicted Individuals: A Case of Tumbi Clinic. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

The study was conducted at Tumbi Regional Referral Hospital, Kibaha Town Council, Pwani Region. The study aimed to assess the contribution of medically assisted treatment (MAT) in supporting drug-addicted individuals. The study focused on three main objectives: first, to determine the impact of Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) in supporting individuals with drug addiction; second, to examine the challenges faced by MAT in supporting individuals with drug addiction; and Third, to assess the societal support available for individuals recovering from drug addiction. Guided by the System Theory, the study adopted an interpretivism philosophy and a case study design. A qualitative approach was employed, and data were collected through interviews, reaching saturation after interviewing 36 participants. The selection of the sample was done using purposive sampling techniques which is among non-probability method of selecting sample. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze the data. The study found three significant contributions of the MAT program in supporting drug-addicted individuals, including Health benefits and recovery, Improved family and social relationships, and Behavioral modification. Also, the study reveals moral and material support as a societal support mechanism to assist recovery. Lastly, the study revealed four significant barriers to MAT services: MAT regulations, social stigma, transport challenges, and financial difficulties. Therefore, MAT services are highly effective for supporting drug addiction due to significant general health development and mental health improvement among drug users. In that regard, the study recommends that stakeholders, hospital authorities, and the Ministry of Health Large should take charge in addressing the mentioned challenges since the benefits of this service are realistic not only to a single individual but to families, communities, society, and nation, as a whole.

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