Predicting length of stay of substance-using pregnant and postpartum women in day treatment

Pregnant and postpartum substance-using women are a special population whose needs do not reflect those of the general substance-using communities. This study examined length of stay in a federally funded day treatment demonstration program in order to identify predictor variables that may help identify pregnant and postpartum substance-using women at high risk for dropping out of treatment. Variables from intake and exit questionnaires on a sample of 163 women were analyzed using multiple regression on both days in treatment and the logarithmic transformation of days in treatment. Few predictor variables were identified, although findings suggest that if a woman is younger and self-referred, she may leave treatment sooner. As one of the first sets of published data on pregnant and postpartum women and retention in treatment, this study lays the groundwork for future research on the retention of pregnant and postpartum women in treatment, thereby facilitating the success of these women in overcoming their addiction.