Determining socio-demographic predictors of treatment dropout: results in a therapeutic community

Abstract

In this paper, a study about sociodemographic factors which predict treatment dropout from a residential substance use disorder program in Spain (Proyecto Hombre Therapeutic Community), is presented. A sample of 430 patients (173 treatment completers and 257 treatment dropouts) was assessed at entry to therapeutic community program in order to collect information about sociodemographic characteristics of the participants. According to the obtained results, factors that predicted treatment dropout included younger age, male gender, and to have previous treatment history in the Proyecto Hombre therapeutic community. Patients with these characteristics were at significantly greater risk of dropping out of treatment. Implications of these results for further research and clinical practice are commented upon.