Relationships between perceived social support and retention among patients in methadone maintenance treatment in mainland China

The study purpose was to explore relationships between perceived social support and retention in mainland Chinese patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). Data collection included baseline information, perceived social support, and retention. A total of 1212 patients completed the cross-sectional survey; 809 (66.7%) perceived good social support and 458 (37.8%) had been re-admitted. Despite controlling baseline information, past retention did not significantly influence perceived social support. At the two-year follow-up, 527 (43.5%) patients terminated MMT. Patients with poorer perceived social support were more likely to terminate treatment, with hazard ratios of 1.31 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10-1.57 without controlling baseline information and past retention) and 1.25 (95% CI: 1.04-1.51 controlling baseline information and past retention). Thus, while MMT retention does not significantly influence perceived social support, good perceived social support is a strong predictor of retention.