Differences between dropout rates and possible predictors for dropout in Turkish, Moroccan and Iranian minority groups in an outpatient setting in the Netherlands

Abstract

Ethnic minorities are prone to mental disorders because of migration and acculturation processes, but they seem to dropout of treatment more often than non-minorities. Dropout rates might differ as well among ethnic minorities. However, research in this area is limited mainly to the United States. Also, little is known about contributing factors to dropout in ethnic minorities. The present study investigated differences in dropout rate between ethnic minority groups and between first and second generation minorities within minority groups in the Netherlands. It also studied the relationship of a lower attendance rate, a lower treatment intensity and missing therapy appointments with dropout in ethnic minorities in the Netherlands. Data of Moroccan, Turkish and Iranian patients were extracted from a case register belonging to a nationwide institute for intercultural psychiatry. Data were analyzed with chi square tests, univariate and logistic regression analyses. The results provided insufficient support for the idea that minority groups differ in dropout rate and that first generation minorities drop out of treatment more often than second generation minorities. The data supported the idea that a lower attendance rate, a lower treatment intensity and missing therapy appointments are associated with dropout among ethnic minorities. When entering these variables into the logistic regression model, it seemed that contributors to dropout differed among minority groups. Limitations of the study are discussed and suggestions for future study are offered.