Women-Only Therapeutic Community Program and Treatment Needs in Iran

Abstract

Background: Therapeutic community program (TCP) is a developed drug treatment modality in Iran (i.e. the most populated Persian Gulf country). In recent years, TCP has been developed for women in Iran. However, there are few studies of women on TCP and their treatment needs. Objectives: The current study is the first research that aimed to explore the treatment needs of drug-dependent women on TCP in Tehran and Karaj cities in Iran. Methods: A qualitative study was designed and conducted in 2011. The study sites included Chitgar, Shahriyar and Hesarak centers in Tehran city, Iran and Shahr-e-Ghods center in Karaj city. Qualitative methodology was selected as the main method of conducting the study. Overall, 20 women were individually interviewed and nine key experts were interviewed in three focus group discussions. Atlas-ti software was used for qualitative data analysis. Results: The median age of the women was 32 years. The median year of education was nine years. The study findings indicated that continued professional staff training, considering treatment needs of special female groups, extended treatment duration with special services and family support and education were the most frequently reported treatment needs of women. Conclusions: The therapeutic community program for women needs especial attention to the treatment needs of this group of illicit drug users. The reported treatment needs should be considered in designing and implementing effective women-only TCP in Iran.