Use of the life table method in determining attrition from treatment.

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Abstract
The life table method, usually used to study probabilities of survival, was used to examine attrition in 1406 patients registered in the outpatient clinic of the Addiction Research Foundation Clinical Institute, Toronto, [Canada], for 1 yr. The attrition rate for the sample as a whole was 83% during the first 3 mo. of patient contact and 95% for the year. In life table terms, 17% survived 3 mo. of treatment and only 5% survived an entire year. These results were uniform by age, sex and type of drug (alcohol or other) used. Although attrition was most marked during the first 3 mo. of contact, significant attrition also occurred after 3 mo. Of patients in treatment for at least 3 mo., only 28% were in treatment 9 mo. later. The rates of attrition found, similar to those reported by follow-up and other studies of treatment for drug dependence, are viewed with appropriate qualifications as measures of treatment outcome. Limitations of the method are discussed.

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