Feasibility and Acceptability of a Web-Based, Gender-Specific Intervention for Women with Substance Use Disorders

Abstract

Background: Women face unique issues related to their substance use. Treatment programs that incorporate gender-specific components can to lead to enhanced outcomes for women with substance use disorders (SUDs). Nevertheless, most women receive treatment in mixed-gender SUD treatment programs that lack women-specific components. Programs cite lack of expertise and staff time as barriers to providing gender-specific care. Leveraging technology can address some of the challenges of providing gender-specific care in a mixed-gender setting by offering an accessible, cost-effective alternative to in-person services. Materials and Methods: We developed a gender-specific, web-based, psychoeducational intervention for women with SUDs as an addition to treatment as usual in a mixed-gender SUD treatment program. Next, we examined the feasibility and acceptability of this single-session intervention in a prepilot study with 30 women with SUDs. Based on these data, we refined the intervention and tested feasibility and acceptability with 60 women with SUDs. Results: Participants indicated a high level of satisfaction with the intervention. Satisfaction did not significantly differ by level of care (inpatient, partial hospitalization, or outpatient) or age, and was not associated with the number of previous treatment episodes. Participants highlighted the importance of addressing co-occurring disorders, trauma, and sexual abuse in SUD treatment for women. Conclusions: Women in this study found this web-based gender-specific intervention relevant regardless of their previous experience in treatment. Delivery of this intervention is feasible and has the potential to be a highly sustainable strategy for increasing exposure to gender-specific SUD components of care.

Keywords: gender-specific; substance use disorders; technology; women.