Drug Use Among Adolescent Mothers: Profile of Risk

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 84 (1) ◽  
pp. 144-151
Author(s):  
Hortensia Amaro ◽  
Barry Zuckerman ◽  
Howard Cabral

Adolescent pregnancy and adolescent drug use are important clinical and public health problems. Yet, few studies have systematically investigated the patterns of substance use among pregnant and parenting adolescents. Because adverse outcomes are not found uniformly for all adolescent mothers, use of illicit drugs may be a key factor in determining which mothers and their infants will have poor outcomes. In this study, the patterns of drug use are described and differences in the demographic and psychosocial profile among 253 pregnant adolescents are investigated. Results obtained from interviews and urine assay for marijuana and cocaine indicate that lifetime use was 84% for alcohol, 62% for marijuana, and 23% for cocaine, whereas use in the past year was 40% for marijuana and 17% for cocaine. Compared with nonusers, pregnant adolescent drug users were more likely to be North American black, have a history of elective abortion and venereal disease, report more negative life events and violence during pregnancy, and receive more support from the father of the baby who was more likely to use marijuana and cocaine (P < .01). Furthermore, according to logistic regression analysis results after controlling for age and ethnicity, adolescents who used illicit substances in the past year were three times more likely to have a male partner who used marijuana or cocaine and were two times more likely to have a history of venereal disease compared with nonusers. The findings suggest that drug use, whether as a mechanism or a marker, is associated with social and medical characteristics that are likely to contribute to negative outcomes among adolescent mothers and their infants. Targeted prevention and intervention efforts to this high-risk group of adolescent mothers need to be developed and evaluated.

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (13) ◽  
pp. 1238-1246
Author(s):  
Mohammad Rifat Haider ◽  
Caroline Kingori ◽  
Monique J Brown ◽  
Michele Battle-Fisher ◽  
Ilana Azulay Chertok

Young people aged 15–24 years account for half of all new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States. The aim of this study was to examine the cross-sectional associations of factors linked to STIs among US young adults (18–25 years). This study used the 2015–2018 pooled National Survey on Drug Use and Health data on 55,690 young adults. Almost 3.4% of the respondents reported having an STI in the past year. Among the participants, 38.4% used illicit drugs and 3.7% reported a history of delinquency in the past year. In the survey-weighted logistic regression model, odds for contracting STIs in the preceding year was higher among adults aged 22–25 versus 18–21 years (OR:1.26, 95%CI:1.12–1.42); male versus female (OR:2.44, 95%CI:2.11–2.82); non-Hispanic African American versus non-Hispanic White (OR:1.77, 95%CI:1.55–2.02); widowed/separated/divorced (OR:1.93, 95%CI:1.36–2.75) and never married (OR:1.29, 95%CI:1.07–1.55) versus married; full-time/part-time employed (aOR:1.17, 95% CI:1.04–1.31) compared to unemployed/other; history of delinquency (OR:2.31, 95%CI:1.89–2.83); and use of illicit drugs in the last year (OR:3.10, 95%CI:2.77–3.47). High incidence of illicit drug use by the young adults and its strong association with STI incidence in recent years warrant special attention. Tailored preventive measures should be focused on key predictors.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen F Eaton ◽  
Andrew O Westfall ◽  
Brandi McClesky ◽  
Cayce S Paddock ◽  
Peter S Lane ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Hospitalized persons who inject drugs are at a greater risk of adverse hospital outcomes including discharge against medical advice, inpatient illicit drug use, overdose, and death. However, there are limited data on the frequency and outcomes of these events in the United States. Methods This retrospective analysis included patients with injection-related infections receiving a protocol for injection drug use (IDU) at University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital from 2016 to 2017. In-hospital IDU was suspected or reported drug usage plus confirmatory drug screen, and documented discharges “against medical advice” were deemed patient-directed discharges (PDD). We analyzed the frequency of and associations between in-hospital IDU, PDD, 30-day readmission, and deaths (between 2016 and 2019) using McNemar’s tests. Logistic regression models evaluated the association between PDD, in-hospital IDU, readmission, and death. Results Overall, 83 patients met inclusion criteria: 28 (34%) with in-hospital IDU, 12 (14%) PDD, 9 (11%) died, and 12 (14%) 30-day readmission. In-hospital IDU was significantly associated with PDD (P = .003), 30-day readmission (P = .005), and death (P = .0003). Patient-directed discharges and 30-day readmission were not significantly associated with death nor with each other. Conclusions In a cohort of patients receiving inpatient care for injection-related infections, illicit drug use, PDD, 30-day readmissions, and death were common. Furthermore, patients who use illicit drugs while hospitalized are significantly more likely to leave early, be readmitted, and/or die. We must design models of care that prevent adverse outcomes, including drug use and PDD, to reduce barriers to evidence-based treatment of infections.


2016 ◽  
Vol 85 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-45
Author(s):  
Nicole Arseneau ◽  
Carlos Muzlera

Mr Simon, age 36, presents to his family physician with concerns about his weight. He has gained 20 kg in the past 4 months, and has developed purple striae on his abdomen. His body mass index (BMI) is currently 34, and on physical examination, he is found to have a rounded face, a large dorsal fat pad, and a waist circumference of 112 cm. His blood pressure is elevated at 145/95 mmHg, while all other vitals are normal. He also mentions worsening acne on his face, shoulders, and upper back, as well as mild depression for the past 3 months. His past medical history is significant only for an appendectomy at age 10. He has no family history of diabetes, obesity, or cardiac disease. The only medication he has been on for the past 3 years is a multivitamin supplement. He does not smoke, drinks approximately 5 alcoholic drinks per week, and does not take any illicit drugs.


2002 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 486-494 ◽  
Author(s):  
P Lumbiganon ◽  
G Piaggio ◽  
J Villar ◽  
A Pinol ◽  
L Bakketeig ◽  
...  

This study evaluated the magnitude, risk factors and outcomes of syphilis in pregnancy in a large cohort of women in four countries participating in the World Health Organization (WHO) antenatal care trial. All women attending the first prenatal care at each selected clinic were enrolled. Screening at the first antenatal visit was routinely performed with either rapid plasma reagin or Venereal Disease Research Laboratory and confirmed by fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption. All women also had the same syphilis tests after delivery. The initial prevalence, the incidence during pregnancy and the overall prevalence of syphilis at delivery were 0.9%, 0.4% and 1.3% respectively. Risk factors for syphilis during pregnancy were younger age for the incidence and older age and a history of stillbirth for the prevalence. Women with syphilis during pregnancy had significantly more adverse outcomes. We support the recommendation that in addition to the initial testing, a second routine test for syphilis ought to be established early in the third trimester even in low prevalence areas.


Author(s):  
Kristin Feltmann ◽  
Tobias H. Elgán ◽  
Anna K. Strandberg ◽  
Pia Kvillemo ◽  
Nitya Jayaram-Lindström ◽  
...  

Illicit drug use is prevalent in the nightlife scene, especially at electronic dance music (EDM) events. The aim of the present study was to investigate illicit drug use patterns and consequences of drug use among frequent visitors of EDM events. Young adults (18–34 years old) who had visited at least six EDM events in Sweden during the past year participated in a web-based survey on drug use patterns and its consequences. Fifty-nine percent of participants had used illicit drugs during the past year, most often cannabis followed by ecstasy, cocaine, and amphetamine. Nightlife venues were identified as the main setting for the use of central stimulants, while cannabis was mostly used at home. Frequent alcohol and tobacco use was associated with illicit drug use. The most prevalent negative consequences of drug use were related to mental health, such as impairments in mood, sleep, and memory problems, but physical manifestations were also reported, such as palpitations and collapsing. These findings confirm that drug use is prevalent and associated with negative health effects among EDM nightlife attendees. The nightlife scene is a setting with promising potential to reach a high-risk target group with illicit drug use prevention interventions.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e037602
Author(s):  
Pakoyo Fadhiru Kamba ◽  
John Mulangwa ◽  
Peter Kageni ◽  
Sulah Balikuna ◽  
Allan Kengo ◽  
...  

ObjectivesWe determined the prevalence of controlled prescription drug (CPD) non-medical and lifetime use and their predictors among patients at three public psychiatric clinics in Uganda to identify missed care opportunities, enhanced screening priorities, and drug control needs.MethodsA cross-sectional survey of 1275 patients was performed from November to December 2018. Interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaires, desk review guide and urine drug assays were employed. Questionnaire recorded CPD non-medical and illicit drug use history from patients’ files, CPD lifetime use and risk factors. Desk review guide recorded recently prescribed drugs in patients’ files to corroborate with urine assays. Predictors were analysed by multivariate logistic regression.ResultsFrom desk review, 145 (11.4%) patients had history of CPD non-medical use and 36 (2.8%) had used illicit drugs. Of 988 patients who provided urine, 166 (16.8%) self-medicated CPDs, particularly benzodiazepines while 12 (1.2%) used illicit drugs. Of those with drug-positive urine, 123 (69.1%) had no documented history of CPD non-medical and illicit drug use. Being an inpatient (OR=10.90, p<0.001) was independently associated with CPD non-medical use. Additionally, being an inpatient (OR=8.29, p<0.001) and tobacco consumption (OR=1.85, p=0.041) were associated with CPD non-medical and illicit drug use combined. Among participants, 119 (9.3%) reported CPD lifetime use, and this was independently associated with education level (OR=2.71, p<0.001) and history of treatment for substance abuse (OR=2.08, p=0.018).ConclusionsCPD non-medical use is common among Uganda’s psychiatric patients, and more prevalent than illicit drug use. Rapid diagnostic assays may be needed in psychiatric care in resource limited settings. It is necessary to assess how CPD non-medical use impacts mental care outcomes and patient safety. High risk groups like inpatients and tobacco consumers should be prioritised in psychiatric screening.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 96 (4) ◽  
pp. 659-666 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beth Barnet ◽  
Anne K. Duggan ◽  
Michele D. Wilson ◽  
Alain Joffe

Objective. Substance use by pregnant teenagers is an important public health problem, but published data on alcohol and illicit drug use by parenting teenagers are virtually nonexistent. This study determined the prevalence of alcohol and drug use in adolescent mothers in the first 4 months postpartum and explored associated psychosocial characteristics. Methods. Teenagers attending a comprehensive adolescent pregnancy and parenting program were enrolled consecutively during a routine third trimester prenatal visit. Alcohol use since delivery was determined by self-report at 4 months postpartum using an instrument developed for the 1984 Survey of Drug Abuse Among Maryland Adolescents. Illicit drug use was measured with anonymous quantitative urine drug screens at 2 and 4 months postpartum. Depressive symptoms, stress, and social support were assessed at 2 and 4 months postpartum using validated, self-administered instruments. Differences in demographic characteristics, peer group influences, and psychosocial variables between substance users and nonusers were evaluated. Results. Participants (125/129 eligible) were predominantly African-American, mean age 16.3 years. Completed assessments were obtained from 110 at 2 months and 105 at 4 months postpartum. Forty-two percent screened positive for illicit drugs at a postpartum visit or reported using alcohol since delivering their baby and were classified as substance users. Thirty-one percent of subjects reported alcohol use since delivery. Marijuana was the most prevalent illicit drug (14%), followed by opiates (5%), and cocaine (4%). When substance users were compared with nonusers, 44% versus 24% scored depressed (P = .02), 62% versus 43% had high stress (P = .04), and 62% versus 44% reported a high need for social support (P = .07). Results of logistic regression, after controlling for age, indicated that illicit substance and/or alcohol use was 3.3 times greater for those who were depressed, 2.8 times greater if they reported friends' using illicit drugs, and 6.7 times greater if the adolescent reported smoking cigarettes since delivery. Conclusions. This study indicates that alcohol and drug use are common among this sample of postpartum teenage mothers and that depression, stress, high support need, and peer group drug use are associated factors. Although this study cannot determine whether depression and stress precede or result from use of substances, attention to these factors appears warranted in the care of adolescent mothers.


2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 393-399 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin Buvik ◽  
Elin K. Bye ◽  
Johanna Gripenberg

Aims: There is increased concern about the use of alcohol and illicit drugs in nightlife settings. Most studies of substance use in nightlife settings are from the patrons’ perspective, which leaves an understudied population – the nightclub staff. The aim of this paper is to study self-reported alcohol and substance use among staff at licensed premises in Norway: types of illicit drugs used, attitudes towards drugs, and observed drug use among patrons. Methods: A survey was conducted at server-training courses in 20 different cities in Norway during 2015. The survey included: demographics, respondents’ own alcohol and drug experience, attitudes towards drug use, and observed drug use among patrons at licensed premises. Results: Data were collected from 912 staff working at licensed premises. A majority reported alcohol use in the past year, and 61% reported alcohol use two or more times a month. Overall, 45% of the respondents reported ever-used of illicit drugs. The four most commonly used drugs among staff were cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy/MDMA, and amphetamine. The majority of respondents supported Norway’s strict drug laws, and 63% reported observing drug-intoxicated patrons at licensed premises during the past six months. Conclusions: The proportion of frequent drinkers and heavy episodic drinking among staff at licensed premises was high, and the prevalence of illicit drug use was much higher compared with the general population. Thus, staff at licensed premises can be considered a risk-group for alcohol and illicit drug use and therefore represent an important target population in club drug-prevention programmes.


2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 277-284
Author(s):  
Ciara M E Reynolds ◽  
Brendan Egan ◽  
Niamh Daly ◽  
Aoife McKeating ◽  
Sharon R Sheehan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The adverse effects of smoking on neonatal outcomes, such as small-for-gestational-age (SGA), has been extensively studied however, the consequences of smoking combined with alcohol and/or drug use is less clear. Methods This retrospective observational study analyzed clinical and sociodemographic details of 40156 women who delivered a singleton baby between the years 2011 and 2015. Results Compared with women who had never smoked, smokers who did not engage in alcohol or drug use had an odds ratio (OR) of delivering a baby who was SGA of 3.2 (95% CI: 3.1–3.5). Smokers who used illicit drugs in isolation or in combination with alcohol during pregnancy had higher ORs for SGA (1.4, 95% CI: 1.1–1.7, P = 0.006 and 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2–2.7, P = 0.007) compared to women who smoked but did not engage in alcohol or drug use in pregnancy. These women also delivered babies with lower mean birthweights (125 g, P &lt; 0.001 and 181.4 g, P = 0.003) and head circumferences (0.4 cm, P &lt; 0.001 and 0.3 cm, P = 0.048). Women who smoked and used alcohol, but not illicit drugs were not associated adverse outcomes above that of smoking in isolation. Conclusion Illicit drug use combined with maternal smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes above that of smoking in isolation.


1995 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 248-256 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beverly Sibthorpe ◽  
Jane Drinkwater ◽  
Karen Gardner ◽  
Gabriele Bammer

In order to assess the need for drug-related services for at-risk youth, a survey was conducted among young people aged 12–17 years who, owing to severe family discord, were currently living away from home (homeless) or had experienced periods away from home in the past 12 months (potentially homeless). Prevalence of use and of potentially harmful levels of use of alcohol and other licit and illicit drugs were higher than in a comparative population. Of the 155 people interviewed, 54% reported past physical abuse, 28% reported past sexual abuse, and 73% had a family alcohol or other drug history. Of the total, 62% had been in a youth refuge at some time in the past 12 months. Twenty four per cent had been to hospital as a result of alcohol or other drug use and 45% had attempted suicide. Female sex and an interaction between sexual abuse and binge drinking predicted suicide attempts. This study points to the need for a comprehensive approach to interventions for troubled youth which gives greater recognition to mental health issues related to family circumstances, including abuse.


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