Patient Trust in Healthcare Providers among People on Methadone Maintenance Treatment Using Methamphetamine in Vietnam

INTRODUCTION: Patient trust in healthcare providers (PTP) is critical for improving treatment adherence and outcomes in substance use disorders. As concurrent opioid and methamphetamine use increasingly complicates methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), understanding PTP in this population is essential. This study aimed to examine factors associated with PTP among people on MMT using methamphetamine in Vietnam. METHODS: We analyzed baseline data from a randomized clinical trial (NCT04706624) evaluating adaptive, evidence-based interventions to reduce methamphetamine use among MMT patients in Vietnam. The analysis included 412 MMT patients using methamphetamine who completed the 10-item Trust in Physicians Scale. Guided by the Social Ecological Framework, we examined individual, interpersonal, health-system, and socio-cultural factors associated with PTP using linear mixed-effects regression models. RESULTS: = 0.036) was linked to greater PTP. CONCLUSION: Findings underscore the need to reduce provider stigma, ensure consistent care quality across clinics, and strengthen rapport with female and educated patients. Leveraging social support and the stability of long-established clinics may foster greater PTP.