The effect of community-based drug rehabilitation programs on recidivism in Malta

摘要

Background: The argument for financing therapeutic community-based drug rehabilitation programs for inmates is compelling. Numerous studies have established the positive effect of such treatment on reducing recidivism, especially treatment based on the therapeutic community model. Methods: This quasi- experimental retrospective cohort study examined the impact of therapeutic community-based drug rehabilitation programs on recidivism amongst drug inmates released from the national prison of Malta between 2005 and 2008 (i.e. ?the reference period?). An experimental group consisting in all drug inmates who participated in at least one program during the time spent in prison for a conviction that ended during the reference period was compared to two comparison groups of inmates who did not attend such a program or who had attended in the past. Chi-square tests and ANOVA were employed in the analysis. Results: There was no statistically significant difference (p