The needs and experiences of pregnant women and new mothers with a history of injecting drug use
- Publication Type:
- Thesis
- Issue Date:
- 2022
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๐๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ด๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ: Maternal substance use disorders are a significant public health issue in Australia and globally. While it does not necessarily lead to inadequate parenting, it is linked to poorer health and social outcomes for their infants. Women with substance use disorders can present with complex histories, mental health disorders and trauma from intimate partner violence. Additionally, it is estimated that many of these women have children. Women who inject drugs face multiple challenges and are some of the most vulnerable women in society. Yet, there is a dearth of literature in Australia and internationally that describes these womenโs needs, experiences and preferences for care.
๐๐ถ๐บ: This study aimed to determine the health and psychosocial needs and experiences of pregnant women and women who have recently given birth and are recent or current injecting drug users in NSW, Australia. It explored experiences of accessing care and examine how service providers can best support, plan and deliver appropriate evidence-based care to meet the needs of these women.
๐ ๐ฒ๐๐ต๐ผ๐ฑ๐: A mixed-methods exploratory case study design was employed. This included a situational analysis, a guideline review, quantitative instruments and a series of qualitative interviews. Thirteen women, 13 health and social care providers and six Department of Community and Justice workers participated in interviews
๐๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด๐: This is the first known Australian study that identifies the health care experiences and needs of pregnant women and new mothers who are current injecting drug users. Findings indicate these women have multiple unmet health and psychosocial needs, and at times health and social care systems are not providing the required care. Women interacted with systems that held power over them, failed to recognise their strengths and at times, basic needs such as housing were not met. The complexities within these womenโs lives including intimate partner violence, mental health, trauma and substance use meant stability was difficult to achieve.
๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฐ๐น๐๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป: Policies, guidelines and a one-stop-shop model of integrated primary health care that holistically meets the needs of women has the potential to break the cycle of adversity by addressing multiple layers of health and psychosocial issues. A trial of models of care that proactively targets women with substance use disorders in their pregnancy and beyond such as nurse-led models of care and a Sustained Home Visiting Program are urgently required. Change is possible, but committed action is essential.
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