Assessment of client satisfaction in a peer counseling substance abuse treatment program for pregnant and postpartum women

Abstract

Health and human service agencies routinely use client satisfaction information as a measure of accountability. This study examines the utility of client satisfaction in the evaluation of a peer counseling treatment program for pregnant and postpartum women in recovery from crack cocaine addiction. Qualitative and quantitative measures are used to assess satisfaction in a sample of 25 women receiving peer counseling services compared to 56 women receiving services from traditionally-trained addiction counselors. Overall satisfaction was associated with number of services used ( P < 0.09) and prior treatment experiences ( P < 0.04). Satisfaction with specific services was positively correlated with age ( P < 0.09) and number of services used ( P < 0.09). Satisfaction was positively associated with the use of acupuncture ( P < 0.039), midwife services ( P < 0.037) and Narcotics Anonymous ( P < 0.04). Length of stay in the program was positively associated with higher levels of satisfaction ( P < 0.09). Clients from the peer counselor group were more likely to describe their counselors as empathic, to identify them as the most helpful aspect of the program and to more strongly recommend their program compared to clients in the comparison group.