Format
Scientific article
Publication Date
Published by / Citation
Horigian , V., Espinal , P., Alonso , E., Verdeja , R., Duan , R., Usaga , I., Pérez López, A., Marín-Navarrete , R., & Feaster , D. (2016). Readiness and barriers to adopt evidence-based practices for substance abuse treatment in Mexico. SALUD MENTAL, 39(2), 77-84. doi:https://doi.org/10.17711/SM.0185-3325.2016.004
Original Language

English

Country
Mexico
Keywords
evidence-based practice
treatment services
adoption
substance abuse
dissemination research
barriers

Readiness and Barriers to Adopt Evidence-Based Practices for Substance Abuse Treatment in Mexico

Evidence-based practice in Mexico
Photo credit: Eddo, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Political_divisions_of_Mexico-en.svg

 

Introduction: Evidence shows a lag in the adoption of evidence-based practices (EBPs) for substance abuse treatment and supports the need for studying the factors involved in this worldwide problem.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the readiness and barriers to adopt EBPs for substance abuse in a sample of outpatient treatment centers of a newly created Mexican Clinical Trials Network.

Method: An online survey was administered to directors (n = 8) and clinicians (n = 40) from seven outpatient treatment centers in Mexico. Questions were obtained from two surveys that had been implemented in the US to assess the same objectives.

Results: Respondents reported being more ready to adopt Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT, 83.3%) and Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET, 79.1%), compared to 12 step facilitation (58.3%), couples therapy (56.2%), Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT, 66.6%), and motivational incentives (60.4%). Directors had lower mean resistance to EBPs (11.8 vs. 17.4; p = 0.01) than clinicians. The biggest barriers identified by directors to EBP adoption were not having enough clinical staff, being unable to afford well-trained staff, not enough psychiatric and medical support.

Discussion and Conclusion: CBT and MET emerged as the most frequently used evidence-based practices in the sites that are part of the Mexican Clinical Trials Network. Staff positive attitudes towards EBPs are critical for adoption.