The Analysis of Cost-Effectiveness of Methadone and Buprenorphine Maintenance Treatment for Preventing HIV Infection in Drug-Injection Users (A Case Study: The Selected Withdrawal Centers under the Supervision of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of Health Care Services Management, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz Branch

2 M. A. in Health Care Services Management, Department of Health Care Services Management, Islamic Azad University of Science and Research of Fars

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Health Care Services Management, Islamic Azad University, Marvdasht Branch

Abstract

Introduction: The present study has carried out a comparative analysis on the cost- effectiveness of maintenance treatment with Methadone and Buprenorphine to prevent the possibility of transmission of new cases from HIV infection among drug users.
Method: This study is cross-sectional, and 315 drug users who referred to a governmental and a private centers that provide services for maintenance treatment with Methadone and Buprenorphine under the supervision of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences have been studied in the form of evaluating after and before intervention without control group during one year and without the discount rate. The possibility of prevention from HIV transmission as a unit of effectivenesshas been calculated by using Decision Tree and Tree Age Software Version 2010 for high risk sexual and drug-injection behaviors before and after referral to the centers, and then it has been investigated via one-way analysis of sensitivity.
Results: Buprenorphine costs less than Methadone, and it has more effectiveness. The cost- effectiveness ratio of Buprenorphine in relation to Methadone was -17,705,307,861.60 Rials. Moreover, Buprenorphine and Methadone have caused the prevention of 14 and 47 new cases from infection with HIV, respectively.
Conclusion: Regarding the distinction between the results of the research, we have to take precautions in using these drugs in the national and regional dimensions, and the decision-making related to this issue requires further study and discussion.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Health Accounting
Volume 3, Issue 3 - Serial Number 9
September 2014
Pages 18-39

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