Integrated treatment programs for pregnant and parenting people support longer retention compared to standard treatment programs: A population-based cohort study

Background

Integrated treatment programs for pregnant and parenting people seek to provide wrap-around services and supports to overcome the barriers and constraints associated with the gendered contexts of substance use and help-seeking. We investigated retention in outpatient treatment among pregnant people and mothers, comparing integrated treatment programs with standard treatment programs in Ontario, Canada.

Methods

We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of females (n = 4440) admitted to 11 integrated treatment programs (cases) and 10 standard treatment programs (controls) between 2008 and 2015. Data sources included linked administrative health data merged with primary data on program characteristics. Exposure was program type and outcomes included days in treatment and number of visits. Multi-level negative binomial regression estimated the effects of program type on retention measures, controlling for individual- and program-level covariates.

Results

Relative to standard treatment, integrated treatment programs offered more services in-house or through partnerships, with specific advantages around the availability of prenatal or primary care and child-minding. Controlling for individual- and program-level covariates, individuals in integrated treatment programs spent more days in treatment (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] = 5.41, 95 % CI 4.10–7.13) and had more visits (aIRR = 5.18, 95 % CI 4.305–6.23) than did controls in standard treatment programs.

Conclusions

This study contributes to a growing body of evidence on the implementation and effectiveness of wrap-around comprehensive service models, or integrated treatment programs, designed for pregnant and parenting people who use substances. Integrated treatment models constitute a promising approach to supporting families affected by substance use.