Evaluation of a 4- Versus 6-Week Length of Stay in the Navy's Alcohol Treatment Program.
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to (1) determine whether a 4-week inpatient treatment program for alcohol abusers in the U.S. Navy is as effective as a 6-week program, and (2) explore the potential for matching patients to a 4 or 6-week length of stay according to the severity of their condition at entry into treatment. A total of 2,823 active-duty inpatients participated in the evaluation, which was conducted at 12 Navy residential treatment facilities. Baseline data on patient demographics, family background, clinical profile, and treatment characteristics were obtained from participants and their counselors; one-year follow-up data concerning alcohol use, behavior problems, career status, job performance, and quality of life were obtained from participants, their work supervisors, aftercare counselors, and Navy personnel master files. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted to assess the effect of length of stay on outcome after controlling for other prognostic indicators, as well as to examine patient-program interaction effects. The single best predictor of success at one year was months of aftercare attendance. Program membership failed to explain any of the observed differences in any of the seven criterion measures. Severity of condition at entry into treatment was also nonsignificant in the regression equations, as were the interaction terms between patient characteristics and length of stay. It was concluded that a reduction in length of stay from 6 weeks to 4 weeks in the Navy's inpatient alcohol treatment program would not have an adverse effect on outcome.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA317329
Entities
People
- Linda K. Trent
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center