Prevalence of narcotic abuse and maternal and fetal outcomes of narcotic substance abuse in pregnant women

Substance abuse have crossed many social, economic, and geographical borders today, and is among major health problems that endanger a multitude of population groups including the pregnant mothers because of their untoward maternal and fetal outcomes. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of substance abuse and maternal, fetal outcomes. A descriptive and analytic cross-sectional study (October 2006 – December 2007) was conducted on 4647 women who had the criteria for admission to labor wards of educational hospital of Birjand -Iran. Data was collected by questionnaire. The obtained data was statistically analyzed by SPSS software using Descriptive statistical and Logistic regression tests at the significant level (α<0.05). The results showed that the prevalence of addiction among pregnant women was 0.69% and The mean age of addiction women was 29.4 ± 1.32 years and 45.5% were in 20-29 years. In addiction group, 11.4 abruptio placenta, 10% still birth and 37.6% fetal distress was reported. The mean of Gestational Age was 34.6 ± 1.34 weeks and premature delivery was significantly more common in the group of pregnant addicts (31.3 vs. 7.1%). Addiction pregnancies present a small but high-risk group according to perinatal outcome. Appropriate obstetric and neonatal care can reduce the rate of complications in these pregnancies and improve perinatal outcome. Therefore, preventive educational programs during pregnancy should focus on reduction or replace of using such Substance with safe drugs.