Table 1 General characteristics of methadone treatment users first admitted to the programme in 2008 (n = 351)

Socio-demographics at first admission

 Male

266

76 %

 HKID holder^a

267

76 %

 Ethnic Chinese

269

77 %

 Age (years)

34

28–40

 History of narcotic use (years)

8

2–14

 History of injection (years)

0

0–1

Methadone clinic attendance pattern

 Proportion attending >2/week during treatment period

  <50 %

65

19 %

  50–89 %

164

47 %

  ≥90 %

122

35 %

 Timing of attendance

  Morning

60

17 %

  Afternoon

100

28 %

  Evening

253

72 %

 No. of clinics visited

2

1–3

 Longest break (months) (n = 321)

5

1–15

Methadone treatment received

 Completion of detoxification (n = 20)

6

30 %

 Mode dose (mg)

40

30–50

 Dosage per day (mg)

6

1–21

Connectivity with clinic and among users

 Connected in social network^b

168

48 %

 Degree^c

0

0–2

 Attendance at the nearest clinic (n = 134)

94

70 %

 Same residing and clinic district (n = 322)

191

59 %

 Distance (m) from home to frequently visited clinic (n = 134)

609

264–1470

 Shortest distance (m) from home to clinic (n = 134)

459

237–767