Barriers encountered by people with substance use disorder in accessing medication assisted treatment in Dodoma Municipality : A case of Itega Mat Clinic-Dodoma
Date
2025
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Institute of Social Work (ISW)
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the barriers encountered by people with substance use disorders (SUD) in accessing Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) services in Dodoma Municipality by assessing their awareness, examining perceptions influencing treatment-seeking behaviour, and identifying systemic obstacles associated with treatment delivery procedures. Methodologically, the study adopted an interpretivist philosophy and employed a qualitative research approach with an exploratory design. The study was conducted in Dodoma Municipality and targeted individuals with SUD and healthcare providers involved in MAT service delivery. Purposive sampling was used to select eighteen participants (18). This included fifteen (15) people with SUD and three (03) healthcare providers. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, while secondary data were drawn from clinic reports, MAT guidelines, and clinical procedure documents. Thematic analysis guided the interpretation of data. The key findings revealed that MAT awareness was generally low and mostly acquired through peers rather than formal education. Misconceptions were widespread, including the belief that methadone substitutes one addiction for another. Procedural barriers such as lengthy registration processes, strict eligibility criteria, and limited-service points discouraged treatment initiation and contributed to high dropout rates, while stigma and mistrust of formal healthcare services further reduced MAT uptake. In conclusion, access to MAT is hindered by informational, attitudinal, and systemic challenges. The study recommends expanding MAT clinics to underserved areas, strengthening community sensitization, simplifying enrolment procedures, and enhancing government-NGO partnerships to improve MAT uptake, retention, and long-term recovery outcomes.
Description
Dissertation submitted to the institute Of Social Work in Partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a Master’s Degree in Social Work
Keywords
Substance abuse, Drug addicts—Treatment, Methadone maintenance, Drug abuse—Treatment, Health services accessibility, Medical care, Mental health services, Public health, Health behaviour, Dodoma (Tanzania), Substance abuse—Treatment—Tanzania, Health services accessibility—Tanzania, Drug addicts—Treatment—Tanzania, Dodoma (Tanzania)—Health services, Substance Use Disorders (SUD), Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Citation
APA