A new integrated intervention model in Iran: How it affects homeless mothers with substance use disorder and their children?

Introduction The number of women with substance use disorder has been growing in Iran. The study aims investigation of a new integrated intervention for women and mothers in Tehran, Iran.Method This research employed an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design within a three-year cohort survey, investigated the effectiveness of an integrated intervention model on treatment retention and quality of life of mothers and pregnant women with substance use disorder. The data were collected through pre-post-test using questionnaires, focus group discussions guided by semi-structured interviews, and rapid multi-purpose urine test. The tools used are a ten-panel urine drug test and a 26-item WHOQOL-BREF. For the qualitative phase, these focus group discussions were carried out. 53 Participants met the inclusion criteria and entered the research.Results The findings show 60.4% of clients retained in treatment. While the overall quality of life did not show a statistically significant increase (p = 0.622, d = 0.13), significant improvements were observed in specific subsets of quality of life: Physical Health (MD = 9.811, 95% CI = [0.374, 19.247], p = 0.042, d = 0.59), Social Relations (MD = 9.729, 95% CI = [0.721, 18.737], p = 0.035, d = 0.61) and environmental (MD = 12.216, 95% CI = [2.688, 21.745], p = 0.013, d = 0.72). Two main themes of ‘treatment aspects’ and ‘social aspects’ in the model were identified as the main factors affecting the effectiveness of the treatment classified under different types of social support.Conclusion This study demonstrates that a comprehensive integrated intervention model effectively addresses the complex and specific needs of women in recovery. The treatment and social support components of this approach emerged as pivotal components, playing a critical role in meeting these multidimensional needs.