Development and Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Program Presenting a Model for Behavior Change in Drug Abstinence Among Patients with Amphetamine Dependence

Abstract

This study aimed to develop and evaluate the efficacy of a behavioral modification framework for amphetamine cessation in individuals diagnosed with amphetamine dependence. The research employed a comprehensive, 9-step research and development approach. This process included situational analysis, strategic planning, prototype development, content validation, preliminary testing on 10 subjects, prototype refinement, and effectiveness assessment. The latter phase utilized a quasi-experimental design, involving 28 inpatients at Phrasrimahaphodi Psychiatric Hospital, equally distributed between experimental and control groups. The study instruments were comprised of a demographic questionnaire, a drug cessation intention scale, the ASSIST-ATS, and a behavioral change model for substance abstinence. Data analysis incorporated various statistical methods, including descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Fisher's exact tests, independent t-tests, and Mann-Whitney U-tests. The research culminated in the finalization of the program for healthcare implementation, followed by post-implementation evaluations and continuous improvements within the hospital service system.

Results: The intervention program was comprised of four steps and six activities, with 60- to 90- minute sessions conducted thrice weekly. Analysis of step 6 outcomes revealed that participants in the experimental group achieved significantly higher mean scores on the drug cessation intention scale, both immediately following the intervention and at the 3-month follow-up, compared to the control group (p < .05). Moreover, the experimental group exhibited a statistically significant decrease in amphetamine use risk behaviors at the 3-month follow-up relative to the control group (p < .05). The program also led to decreased hospital readmissions at 28- and 90- days post-intervention. This behavioral modification model for amphetamine cessation has shown promise in enhancing cessation intention and effecting behavioral change. As such, it warrants consideration as an alternative therapeutic approach for individuals diagnosed with amphetamine dependence.