Profiles associated with early dropout, retention, and completion of treatment in a Therapeutic Community

• Jhon Alexander Calva-Cumbicus

  , Universidad Internacional de Valencia, Valencia, España

  Author

  https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3806-6307 (unauthenticated)

• Wilson Javier Rojas-Preciado

  , Universidad Técnica de Machala, Machala, Ecuador

  Author

  https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1614-698X (unauthenticated)

• Bryan Alexander Farias-Fariñas

  , Universidad Internacional de la Rioja, España.

  Author

  https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7108-2953 (unauthenticated)

• Angie Lizbeth Camacho-Chamba

  , Organización de Ayuda Humanitaria a Refugiados (HIAS), Huaquillas, Ecuador.

  Author

  https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8236-207X (unauthenticated)

Despite extensive international research on factors influencing early dropout, retention, and treatment completion in therapeutic communities (TC) for substance use disorders, there is a lack of local data, which limits the understanding of the specific realities of Ecuadorian patients. This study aimed to identify risk profiles associated with early dropout, retention, and treatment
completion in a local therapeutic community, considering both patient and program characteristics. A quantitative, observational, and retrospective research design was employed. Convenience sampling was used, analyzing the clinical records of 89 patients admitted to residential treatment between 2022 and 2023. Multiple Correspondence Analysis was conducted to evaluate the data. The findings suggest that patients who drop out of the program exhibit an admission profile characterized by greater physical, psychological, and social deterioration. In contrast, those who remain and complete the treatment show a more functional and adaptive profile. Additionally, a third profile was identified, encompassing patients with characteristics that may increase their vulnerability to negative treatment outcomes. Validating these findings through prospective studies and incorporating additional variables not included in this research is essential.

1. Jhon Alexander Calva-Cumbicus, , Universidad Internacional de Valencia, Valencia, España

   Licenciado en Psicología Clínica por la Universidad Técnica de Machala (Ecuador). Estudiante de Masterado del programa de Prevención en Drogodependencias y otras Conductas Adictivas de la Universidad Internacional de Valencia (España). Psicólogo Clínico voluntario en el Centro Especializado
   en Tratamiento a Personas con Consumo Problemático de Alcohol y otras Drogas (CETAD). ORCID:
   https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3806-6307

2. Wilson Javier Rojas-Preciado, , Universidad Técnica de Machala, Machala, Ecuador

   Doctor en Estadística Multivariante Aplicada por la Universidad de Salamanca (España). Profesor de Estadística en la Universidad Técnica de Machala (Ecuador). ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1614-698X

3. Bryan Alexander Farias-Fariñas, , Universidad Internacional de la Rioja, España.

   Licenciado en Psicología Clínica por la Universidad Técnica de Machala (Ecuador). Estudiante de Masterado del programa de Psicoterapia de Tercera Generación de la Universidad Internacional de la
   Rioja (España). ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7108-2953

4. Angie Lizbeth Camacho-Chamba, , Organización de Ayuda Humanitaria a Refugiados (HIAS), Huaquillas, Ecuador.

   Licenciada en Psicología Clínica por la Universidad Técnica de Machala (Ecuador). Psicóloga Clínica en HIAS (Ecuador). ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8236-207X

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