Abstract:
Research into treatment dropout among adolescents attending intervention for harmful sexual behaviour (HSB) is limited, however, this group is more likely to reengage in HSB than treatment completers. Early detection of treatment dropout risk through attention to pretreatment variables associated with treatment dropout may help to avert premature treatment attrition. The present study reviewed literature on treatment dropout to identify pretreatment variables associated with attrition from adolescent harmful sexual behaviour (AHSB) treatment. The analysis compared a sample of 50 male adolescent treatment dropouts and 50 male treatment completers, matched by age and ethnic group, attending a community based treatment service for AHSB. Logistic regression was used to test the association of treatment dropout with pretreatment variables identified in the literature review. Fourteen variables were identified as significantly associated with treatment dropout, including school expulsion, personal victimisation, anti-social interpersonal orientation, history of general offending and non-involvement in education. No differences in variables associated with treatment dropout were identified between Maori, Pacific Islands and NZ European ethnic groups or adolescents of different ages. The results are discussed in light of previous research findings and with a view to identifying means of reducing treatment dropout risk. A checklist to help identify youth ‘at risk’ of treatment dropout is proposed as well as potential engagement strategies to help reduce the likelihood of treatment attrition among such ‘at risk’ youth.