Prevalence of Illicit Drug Use among Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Document Type : Short Communication

Authors

1 Medical Doctor, Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

2 PhD in Laboratory Science, Sepeher Clinical Laboratory, Kerman, Iran

3 Professor of Community Medicine, Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran

Abstract

Drug use during pregnancy is a growing public health problem worldwide. This study was performed to determine the prevalence of illicit drug use among pregnant women of Kerman . This cross-sectional study was performed in 2020 on the  966 pregnant women referring to the Central Clinical Laboratory of Kerman Iran for routine pregnancy blood.Urine sample of pregnant women was tested anonymously in two stages. At first, a qualitative screening test was done using the rapid immunoassay method. Then for positive specimens, thin layer chromatography (TLC)was used to confirm the initial positive results.
The mean age of participants was 27.3±6.6 years.  Most of the respondents (93.8%) were urban dwellers. Also, 7.0% (95% CI: 5.4–8.7) of urine samples were positive for illicit drug. Opium was the most frequently used drug (83.8%). No urine sample was positive for marijuana and tramadol. The older the participants, the more likely they would use drugs (odds ratio=1.05; CI 95%:1.01-1.09). Women with low socioeconomic status were nearly 2.2 times more likely to use illicit drugs.
The prevalence of drug use is alarming among pregnant women in southeast of Iran. Considering this matter is necessary during prenatal care.

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Journal of Midwifery and Reproductive Health

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 21 April 2023

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