Kiri A Latuskie1, Naomi C Z Andrews2, Mary Motz3, Tom Leibson4, Zubin Austin5, Shinya Ito6, Debra J Pepler7. 1. University of Toronto, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, 144 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3M2, Canada; Hospital for Sick Children, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8, Canada. Electronic address: klatuski@uwo.ca. 2. York University, Department of Psychology, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada; Mothercraft, Early Intervention Department, 860 Richmond Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M6J 1C9, Canada. Electronic address: naomi.andrews@mothercraft.org. 3. Mothercraft, Early Intervention Department, 860 Richmond Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M6J 1C9, Canada. Electronic address: mmotz@mothercraft.org. 4. Hospital for Sick Children, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8, Canada. Electronic address: tom.leibson@sickkids.ca. 5. University of Toronto, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, 144 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3M2, Canada. Electronic address: zubin.austin@utoronto.ca. 6. Hospital for Sick Children, Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X8, Canada. Electronic address: shinya.ito@sickkids.ca. 7. York University, Department of Psychology, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada. Electronic address: pepler@yorku.ca.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Substance use during pregnancy is a major public health concern, stemming from potential physical and psychosocial harms to both the mother and child. PURPOSE: To understand women's experiences using substances during pregnancy and the reasons that women continue and/or discontinue using substances. METHODS: Focus groups were conducted with women who attended an early intervention program for pregnant or parenting women with substance use issues. RESULTS: Women identified that external and internal stressors, feelings of guilt and low-self efficacy, and a lack of understanding of the scientific and medical consequences of substance use contributed to their continued substance use. Conversely, women highlighted the importance of high self-efficacy and the quality of relationships when trying to make positive changes to their substance use during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations are proposed for easier access to and more comprehensive services. Healthcare professionals and service providers should offer non-judgmental care by building high-quality relationships with pregnant women with substance use issues, to increase these women's self-efficacy and empower them to discontinue substance use.
BACKGROUND: Substance use during pregnancy is a major public health concern, stemming from potential physical and psychosocial harms to both the mother and child. PURPOSE: To understand women's experiences using substances during pregnancy and the reasons that women continue and/or discontinue using substances. METHODS: Focus groups were conducted with women who attended an early intervention program for pregnant or parenting women with substance use issues. RESULTS:Women identified that external and internal stressors, feelings of guilt and low-self efficacy, and a lack of understanding of the scientific and medical consequences of substance use contributed to their continued substance use. Conversely, women highlighted the importance of high self-efficacy and the quality of relationships when trying to make positive changes to their substance use during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations are proposed for easier access to and more comprehensive services. Healthcare professionals and service providers should offer non-judgmental care by building high-quality relationships with pregnant women with substance use issues, to increase these women's self-efficacy and empower them to discontinue substance use.
Authors: Judy C Chang; Jill A Tarr; Cynthia L Holland; Natacha M De Genna; Gale A Richardson; Keri L Rodriguez; Jeanelle Sheeder; Kevin L Kraemer; Nancy L Day; Doris Rubio; Marian Jarlenski; Robert M Arnold Journal: Drug Alcohol Depend Date: 2019-01-11 Impact factor: 4.492
Authors: Anna E Austin; Nisha C Gottfredson; Adam J Zolotor; Carolyn T Halpern; Stephen W Marshall; Jared W Parrish; Meghan E Shanahan Journal: Matern Child Health J Date: 2020-01
Authors: Naomi C Z Andrews; Mary Motz; Bianca C Bondi; Margaret Leslie; Debra J Pepler Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2019-12-03 Impact factor: 3.390