Treatment variables and gender in client retention in methadone treatment

Abstract

Information from the medical records of 242 clients (144 males and 98 females) treated in a community based methadone maintenance program were analysed for factors influencing the length of stay in treatment, particularly in relation to gender differences. The analyses revealed that the variable of Length of current habit at first admission was the strongest single predictor of retention in treatment overall and was important for both sexes, although not statistically significantly for females. Gender differences emerged for the variables of dose, age and variables concerning criminal behaviour. Other gender differences were found between marital status, use of other drugs and treatment outcome. The results are discussed in terms of service provision for successful methadone maintenance programs.