Comparing maternal substance use and perinatal outcomes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To examine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal substance abuse and neonatal outcomes.

Study design

Cross-sectional observational study of neonates admitted to the NICU and born to mothers with evidence of substance abuse pre-pandemic compared to during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Result

We noted a significant increase in fentanyl (12% vs. 0.6%, p < 0.001) and tobacco use (64% vs. 33%, p < 0.001) during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic, including an increase in fentanyl use among mothers enrolled in opioid maintenance therapy (OMT) during the pandemic (32.3% vs. 1.5%, p < 0.001). There was a significant increase in preterm births (58% vs. 48%, p = 0.022) and lower birth weight (2315 ± 815 vs. 2455 ± 861 g, p = 0.049) during pandemic.

Conclusion

SUBMITTER: Lien J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9901406 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature