[Early drop-outs and retentions in substance abuse outpatient clinics: a cross-sectional comparative study of factors that increase or decrease adherence].

AIM: The aim of this study is to define the risk factors associated with early discharge in out-patients clinics.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional and observational study.

SETTING: Substance abuse clinics in Girona (Catalonia, Spain).

PARTICIPANTS: A total of 264 individuals were included in the sample, and 34.8% of them abandoned the process within two months of starting the therapy (n=92).

PROCEDURE: Clinical and socio-demographic variables of the clinical history were compared between participants with/without adherence.

MAIN MEASUREMENTS: The Student t test was used to measure the comparison, and the chi-squared test was used for the analysis of qualitative variables. A binary logistic regression model was adjusted, with adherence as the dependent variable.

RESULTS: The results indicated that attending the appointments unaccompanied (OR=3.13), being female (OR=2.44), having cocaine related issues (OR=1.14), and being younger (OR=0.89) are the factors which increase the risk early abandonment. Contrarily, being referred to specialists from a Primary Health Centre reduces the risk (OR=0.28).

CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that special attention must be devoted to the patients' families, women, and young patients. Moreover, the appropriate coordination between specialist services and basic services increases adherence to treatment among drug users.