Treatment attrition among racial and ethnic minority youth

Abstract: This study examined the predictors of treatment attrition among racial and ethnic minority adolescents from South Florida participating in treatment for substance use problems (N= 453). The influences of individual, social, cultural, and treatment factors on treatment attrition were explored within 3 racial and ethnic subgroups of adolescents. Multivariate logit analyses were conducted within each racial and ethnic subgroup. Specific factors differentially predicted attrition within each racial and ethnic subgroup and African American youth were more than twice as likely as their Hispanic counterparts to leave treatment prematurely. Findings underscore the importance of identifying and understanding unique treatment needs of racial and ethnic minority youth with substance use problems.

Austin, A., & Wagner, E.F. (2010). Treatment attrition among racial and ethnic minority youth. Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions, 10(1), 63-80. doi:10.1080/15332560903517167