Author/Authors :
Alammehrjerdi, Zahra School of Public Health and Community Medicine - University of New South Wales - Sydney, Australia , Massah, Omid University of SocialWelfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran , Farhoudian, Ali University of SocialWelfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran , Shishehgar, Sara Faculty of Health - University of Technology Sydney - Sydney, Australia , Moradi, Afsaneh Department of Psychology - School of Psychology and Educational Sciences - Al-Zahra University, Tehran , Dolan, Kate School of Public Health and Community Medicine - University of New South Wales - Sydney, Australia
Abstract :
Background: Therapeutic community program (TCP) is available for opioid users in Iran (Persia), the most populous Persian Gulf
country. TCP can reduce opioid use and some associated harms. However, there are few studies about TCP in Iran.
Objectives: The current qualitative study aimed to explore the self-perceived positive and negative aspects of TCP among a group
of Persian opioid users in Tehran.
Methods: The studywasconducted at a large men-onlyTCcenter betweenDecember2010andJuly 2011. Overall, 50opioid users were
interviewed in eight roundtable meetings. Nine key informants were individually interviewed. NVivo 10 was used to thematically
analyze the data.
Results: The mean age of the participantswas 38 (SD = 9) years. Participants were dependent on opioids. The thematic data analyses
indicated that peer support, group meetings, and the lack of medications were the most frequently self-perceived positive aspects
of TCP. Untreated withdrawal symptoms, long duration of residence, anxiety, and depression were the most frequently reported
negative aspects of TCP.
Conclusions: The identified positive treatment aspects should be considered to improve the TCP quality. The identified negative
treatment aspects should be managed in the provision of TCP.
Keywords :
Drug , Harm Reduction , Health , Iran , Therapeutic Community Program
