Risk Factors Associated with Alcohol, Cigarette, and Illicit Drug Use Among Pregnant Women

Abstract

The use of illicit and licit drugs during pregnancy is a major public health concern that has garnered much medical, governmental, and media attention because of the increased health risks it poses for women and their newborns. To date, however, few studies have examined the antecedents contributing to substance use among pregnant women. In this paper, we examine the prevalence of alcohol, cigarette, and illicit drug use among a recent sample of pregnant women and report on the factors that place these women at risk for engaging in the use of these substances. We conclude by making recommendations to improve

Infant health production functions: what a difference the data make

“…In particular, recent studies have found paternal factors to be independent predictors of prenatal input use (Teitler, 2001; Sangi-Haghpeykar et al , 2005; Huang and Reid, 2006) and infant health (Reichman and Teitler, 2006). From the survey, we include insurance information (whether the birth was covered by Medicaid or other government program – henceforth referred to as ‘Medicaid’).…”

A Qualitative Study of Treatment Needs Among Pregnant and Postpartum Women with Substance Use and Depression

“…Pregnant and postpartum women have a great need for treatment of co-occurring disorders; pregnant substance-users have a greater dependence on drug use (Finnegan, 1991), have lower ability to quit these substances during pregnancy (Daley, Argeriou, & McCarty, 1998; Huang & Reid, 2006), attend treatment less reliably, have higher dropout rates, and are at least twice as more likely to be readmitted for treatment (Daley et al, 1998; Finnegan, 1991; Huang & Reid, 2006). Although substance problems among pregnant and postpartum substance abusers are often quite severe, these periods represent a time of high motivation to engage in positive health behavior change, as has been demonstrated in smoking cessation studies (Kruse, Le Fevre, & Zweig, 1986).…”

Effectiveness of Prenatal Screening for Substance Use: Critical Consciousness, A Promising Curriculum for Compassionate Screening

“…Faculty members must go through workshops on active learning and facilitation, providing feedback, and stimulating reflective learning, as well as interactive drama techniques or role plays. It can be evaluated through qualitative methods such as focus groups [44] that explore students' understanding and suggestions regarding this curriculum.…”

“…Although this is exactly what is required, most medical schools still use the top-down strategy with competency-based curriculums. There is an urgent need to raise awareness and gather evidence on such a deficiency in the training of physicians (Huang & Reid, 2006).…”