Risk factors for substance use in pregnant women in South Africa
Date
2012-11
Authors
Vythilingum, B.
Roos, A.
Faure, S. C.
Geerts, L.
Stein, D. J.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
HPMG
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Objectives. To study the prevalence of alcohol and substance use in
a South African antenatal population and its correlates with sociodemographic
factors, depression and perceived stress.
Methods. A prospective self-report study on all women presenting
for their first antenatal visit who consented to the study at a midwife
obstetric unit (MOU) in the East Metropole district, Cape Town,
using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Drug
Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT), Edinburgh Depression
Scale (EDS) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Statistical analyses
using the chi-square test, separate one-way analyses of variance
(ANOVA) and logistic regression analyses were performed as
appropriate. Outcome measures were depression, alcohol use and
substance use.
Results. The questionnaire was completed by 323 women. During
pregnancy 36.8% of women smoked, 20.2% used alcohol and
4% used substances. Using EDS cut-off scores of 12 and 15,
respectively, 48.9% and 33.6% of the sample had scores consistent
with major depression. An EDS cut-off score of 12 was significantly
associated with both alcohol use (25.9% v. 15.2%, p=0.019) and
risky drinking (76.9% v. 36.8%, p=0.04), while an EDS cut-off score
of 15 was significantly associated with substance use (8.2% v. 1.4%,
p=0.004) as well as alcohol dependence (23.1% v. 3.1%).
Conclusions. We found high rates of both alcohol abuse and
antenatal depression, and a significant association between
depression, substance use and alcohol abuse; EDS scores greater
than 12 could be used to identify women at risk of alcohol
dependence and/or substance abuse.
Description
Vythilingum, B. et.al. 2012. Risk factors for substance use in pregnant women in South Africa. South African medical journal, 102(11):851-854
Keywords
Pregnant women -- Substance abuse -- South Africa
Citation
Vythilingum, B. et.al. 2012. Risk factors for substance use in pregnant women in South Africa. South African medical journal, 102(11):851-854