Outcomes and gender differences in a group-based in-prison program for drug offenders in the Philippines

Literature on drug recovery programs has mostly emanated from the West, and there is a dearth of literature on drug treatment from a gender perspective. This study aims to contribute to these gaps by examining gender differences in the impact of drug counseling programs for drug offenders in the Philippines.

This study consisted of 246 persons incarcerated for drug use who participated in a drug counseling program as part of their plea-bargaining agreement. Participants came from 19 jail facilities in six regions in the Philippines. The Katatagan, Kalusugan at Damayan ng Komunidad (resilience, health and care in community) for persons deprived of liberty program consisted of drug recovery, life skills and family modules. The sessions were facilitated by trained jail personnel who delivered the program in small groups, conducted once a week for up to six months. The study used a cohort design and administered pre- and post-test surveys before and after the program.

Structural equation modeling was used to test the program's theory of change. As hypothesized, the active ingredients (recovery skills, life skills and family support) were positively associated with psychological well-being, perceived quality of life and intent not to use. The active ingredients were negatively associated with substance use disorder symptoms. Analysis of variance revealed the interaction between time and gender for recovery skills, life skills, family support, well-being, intent to refuse and substance use disorder symptoms. The program had a greater effect size among female participants compared to males.

The cohort design does not allow for causal generalizations on the impact of the program. Future studies using randomized control trials and longitudinal designs post incarceration are needed for more robust conclusions on the impact of the program. In addition, the program was created primarily to treat drug use and does not include those involved in drug distribution or manufacturing. More research is needed to address this population and identify appropriate interventions to avoid recidivism.

Majority of those incarcerated in the Philippines are because of drug charges. The study is the first in the Philippine prison setting examining gender differences in outcomes of a drug rehabilitation program. It suggests the viability of implementing a treatment program for persons who use drugs in detention facilities.

In many countries, drug use is treated as crime. However, more than punishment, the study suggests the viability of reformation in detention facilities. These can potentially prevent recidivism and provide individuals the skills they need to achieve greater quality of life after incarceration.

The study validated the importance of recovery skills, life skills and family support in the rehabilitation of drug offenders. Significant gender differences in the impact of the program highlight the importance of using a gender lens in implementing and evaluating drug recovery programs in jails.