Marta Bornstein1, Agatha Berger2, Jessica D Gipson3. 1. Department of Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, 650 Charles E. Young Dr. South, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States of America; California Center for Population Research, University of California Los Angeles, 4284 Public Affairs Bldg, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States of America. Electronic address: mbornstein@ucla.edu. 2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States of America; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Christiana Care Health System, 4755 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark, DE 19718, United States of America. Electronic address: Agatha.Berger@christianacare.org. 3. Department of Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, 650 Charles E. Young Dr. South, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States of America; California Center for Population Research, University of California Los Angeles, 4284 Public Affairs Bldg, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States of America. Electronic address: Jgipson@ucla.edu.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Opioid use disorder (OUD) and methadone treatment are increasing among women ages 18-44 years old, a population with unique healthcare needs. Despite this increase, there is little research on the healthcare experiences of women with OUD, particularly experiences with reproductive healthcare. METHODS: We designed a sequential, mixed-methods study in three Los Angeles methadone clinics. In the first phase, we conducted in-depth interviews with women in methadone treatment (n = 22) (September-December 2016). After thematic coding and analysis, we designed and administered a survey to understand patterns in women's experiences and reproductive health knowledge, attitudes, and behavior (n = 50) (January-April 2018). We conducted descriptive statistics, then integrated the quantitative and qualitative findings to contextualize and understand perceptions and experiences with healthcare providers among women in methadone treatment. RESULTS: We found that women experienced and anticipated that providers would treat them poorly when they disclosed that they were in methadone treatment for OUD. Women's actual experiences with disclosure, shared in in-depth interviews, varied by whether they had disclosed their status intentionally or inadvertently. Approximately one-third (37%) of survey respondents thought a healthcare provider would scold them if they became pregnant; however, all who had been pregnant in the past while on methadone (n = 11) reported disclosing methadone treatment during pregnancy to their provider. Under a quarter of all women (22%) said having a healthy pregnancy while on methadone was likely or very likely. These perceptions were reinforced by negative experiences with providers, or, in many cases, women in the survey reported that they had never discussed the recommendations for a healthy pregnancy while on methadone with a healthcare provider. DISCUSSION: Women experience and anticipate experiencing negative interactions with their healthcare providers if and when they disclose their methadone treatment. These perceptions and experiences impact subsequent treatment seeking and disclosure. The majority of women did not discuss pregnancy with healthcare providers. To improve quality of care, healthcare providers can provide a safe space for women to disclose methadone treatment through nonjudgmental communication that intentionally alleviates stigma. Additionally, healthcare providers should understand medical guidelines and laws/policies around methadone during pregnancy and communicate this understanding to all patients who may wish to become pregnant or who are at risk for unintended pregnancy.
INTRODUCTION: Opioid use disorder (OUD) and methadone treatment are increasing among women ages 18-44 years old, a population with unique healthcare needs. Despite this increase, there is little research on the healthcare experiences of women with OUD, particularly experiences with reproductive healthcare. METHODS: We designed a sequential, mixed-methods study in three Los Angeles methadone clinics. In the first phase, we conducted in-depth interviews with women in methadone treatment (n = 22) (September-December 2016). After thematic coding and analysis, we designed and administered a survey to understand patterns in women's experiences and reproductive health knowledge, attitudes, and behavior (n = 50) (January-April 2018). We conducted descriptive statistics, then integrated the quantitative and qualitative findings to contextualize and understand perceptions and experiences with healthcare providers among women in methadone treatment. RESULTS: We found that women experienced and anticipated that providers would treat them poorly when they disclosed that they were in methadone treatment for OUD. Women's actual experiences with disclosure, shared in in-depth interviews, varied by whether they had disclosed their status intentionally or inadvertently. Approximately one-third (37%) of survey respondents thought a healthcare provider would scold them if they became pregnant; however, all who had been pregnant in the past while on methadone (n = 11) reported disclosing methadone treatment during pregnancy to their provider. Under a quarter of all women (22%) said having a healthy pregnancy while on methadone was likely or very likely. These perceptions were reinforced by negative experiences with providers, or, in many cases, women in the survey reported that they had never discussed the recommendations for a healthy pregnancy while on methadone with a healthcare provider. DISCUSSION: Women experience and anticipate experiencing negative interactions with their healthcare providers if and when they disclose their methadone treatment. These perceptions and experiences impact subsequent treatment seeking and disclosure. The majority of women did not discuss pregnancy with healthcare providers. To improve quality of care, healthcare providers can provide a safe space for women to disclose methadone treatment through nonjudgmental communication that intentionally alleviates stigma. Additionally, healthcare providers should understand medical guidelines and laws/policies around methadone during pregnancy and communicate this understanding to all patients who may wish to become pregnant or who are at risk for unintended pregnancy.
Authors: Leonieke C van Boekel; Evelien P M Brouwers; Jaap van Weeghel; Henk F L Garretsen Journal: Drug Alcohol Depend Date: 2013-03-13 Impact factor: 4.492