File(s) under permanent embargo
Substance use, psychological distress and violence among pregnant and breastfeeding Australian women
journal contribution
posted on 2007-02-01, 00:00 authored by C Wallace, L Burns, S Gilmour, Delyse HutchinsonDelyse HutchinsonOBJECTIVE: To identify the population prevalence and demographic characteristics of pregnant and/or breastfeeding Australian women who use licit and illicit substances and their experience of psychological distress and violence. METHODS: Data from the 2004 National Drug Strategy Household Survey were used to determine the prevalence of substance use, psychological distress and violence experienced by pregnant and/or breastfeeding women. RESULTS: A total of 976 pregnant and/or breastfeeding women were included. These women were significantly less likely than non-pregnant women to consume alcohol (47% vs. 85%) or any illicit drug (6% vs. 17%); however, there was no significant difference in tobacco smoking (20% vs. 25%). Self-reported psychological distress was significantly more frequent in the non-pregnant group (42%) than in the pregnant group, irrespective of substance use status. At a population level, pregnant and/or breastfeeding women were not at a heightened risk of psychological distress or violence. DISCUSSION: These findings highlight the importance of targeting older, tertiary-educated and relatively affluent mothers and those living in regional areas for drug and alcohol education campaigns and treatment. IMPLICATIONS: Simplifying the National Health and Medical Research Council pregnancy-specific alcohol guidelines, improving clinician training, and increasing the availability of treatment options in rural and regional areas may assist in the identification, referral and provision of assistance to substance using pregnant/breastfeeding women.
History
Journal
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public HealthVolume
31Issue
1Pagination
51 - 56Publisher
WileyLocation
London, Eng.ISSN
1326-0200Language
engPublication classification
C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2007, WileyUsage metrics
Categories
No categories selectedKeywords
AdolescentAdultAnalysis of VarianceAustraliaBreast FeedingFemaleHealth SurveysHumansMiddle AgedPregnancyPrevalencePsychiatric Status Rating ScalesSelf DisclosureSmokingStress, PsychologicalSubstance-Related DisordersViolenceScience & TechnologyLife Sciences & BiomedicinePublic, Environmental & Occupational HealthALCOHOL-USEDOMESTIC VIOLENCENATIONAL SURVEYDRUGCAREDISORDERSHEALTHABUSE
Licence
Exports
RefWorks
BibTeX
Ref. manager
Endnote
DataCite
NLM
DC