The Association between Living Status Transitions, Behavior Changes and Family Relationship Improvement among Methadone Maintenance Treatment Participants in Guangdong, China

The quality of family relationships is important for individual and family well-being. Improving family relationships is also an important goal in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). Little is known about factors associated with the improvement of family relationships among MMT clients. This study aimed to identify factors associated with family relationship improvement in MMT. We retrospectively analyzed existing data from 2006 to 2014 at 15 MMT clinics in Guangdong, China, including 2171 subjects with 4691 follow-ups. Generalized estimating equations were used to investigate the association between living status transitions, behavior changes and family relationship improvement, with covariates controlled for. Family relationship improvement was found in 23.1% of all follow-up intervals. Participants who began living with family, living on a regular wage, and gained employment were more likely to have improved family relationships. The quality of family relationships also improved among participants who ceased contact with drug-addicted fellows, ceased drug use, and those who were sexually active. These results suggest that improvement in living status, positive changes in drug use, and sexual activity are associated with family relationship improvement and corresponding interventions may be developed to facilitate clients’ recovery.

On the Forecast of the Development of the Eurasian Economic Union

The course of economic integration within the framework of the EAEU is proceeding according to a plan outlined in a document on the Union’s development forecast until 2030, when first three countries were members of the EAEU - Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus. Later, two more countries joined the union - Armenia and Kyrgyzstan. Then based on the real situation, additional adjustments were made. Many problems remain that need to be solved precisely in the field of integration, which, on the one hand, cause the need for an accelerated approach, and on the other, raise doubts about the prospects of this alliance. The article is aimed to study the causes of disputes, identifying factors contributing to the unification of participants, and developing an objective vision of the Union’s development prospects. And also, based on the analysis of today’s relationships among the members of the Eurasian Economic Union, appropriate conclusions and recommendations will be made for further relationship improvement by considering the perspectives of voluntary joining of other countries into the Eurasian Economic Union.