Who Drops Out of Drug-User Treatment Research on Women?

Abstract

Attrition or dropping out is an important methodological issue in drug-user treatment research. The purpose of this study was to describe and explain the degree of subject attrition–more specifically, postinclusion attrition–within the context of a research demonstration project which focused on a women's sensitive approach to drug-user treatment. Demographic variables, psychosocial outcome measures, and two treatment variables were examined as possible predictors of attrition from research participation. Findings showed attrition rates increased from admission, peaked at 3-month follow-up, and then declined substantially by the 12-month follow-up period. A logistic regression analysis showed only treatment discharge status to significantly predict subject attrition.

Key Words:

• Subject attrition
• Dropout
• Drug-user treatment research
• Women