This project evaluated neonatal outcomes across different levels of treatment for substance-abusing pregnant women in the Early Start Program. We identified 1444 women treated by Early Start who delivered infants between 07/01/95-06/30/98. Of these women, 445 (30.8%) were assessed by Early Start but did not show up for follow-up visits; the remaining women (69.2%) assessed by Early Start came in for follow-up: 23.0% had one follow-up visit; 18.5% had two; 12.5% had three; 6.7% had four; and 8.7% had five or more. We compared rates of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) among infants of these women. Predictor variables in our logistic model were 1-2, 3-4, and 5 or more follow-up vists, with "assessed only" as the comparison group. We included the following "severity of drug dependence" markers in our model: positive urine toxicology screens for > 1 drug of abuse and a diagnosis of "chemically dependent" rather than "substance abusing". We found that 1-2 follow-up visits was significantly protective against NICU admission (OR=0.68, 95% CI: 0.47-0.98), as was 3-4 follow-ups (OR=0.62, 95% CI: 0.39-0.99). Five or more follow-up visits was protective but not significant. Women testing positive for >1 drug of abuse had infants with higher NICU admission rates (OR=1.84, 95% CI: 1.35-2.52). These results indicate that women with Early Start follow-up visits have significantly lower rates of NICU admission than infants of "assessed only" women, even when controlling for severity of drug dependence.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, the participant will be able to discuss the impact of amount of treatment for maternal substance abuse on neonatal health
Keywords: Substance Abuse Treatment, Infant Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.