Determinants of Substance Abuse among Pregnant Women Attending ANC in a Tertiary Hospital in Jos Plateau State Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Substance abuse during pregnancy is more prevalent than commonly realized and the obstetric and fetal complications associated with maternal substance abuse include placental praevia, abruptio placentae, premature rupture of membranes, spontaneous abortion, intrauterine growth retardation, fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), premature delivery, birth defect (congenital anomalies) and neonatal and long term developmental defect. The study was aimed at determining the rate and the socio-demographic determinants of substance abuse among the pregnant women attending ANC in a tertiary health centre in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. Methodology: it was a facility based cross sectional study conducted among pregnant women attending ANC in a tertiary teaching hospital in Jos, Nigeria, an estimated sample size of 130 was calculated using the formula N = Z²Pq / d², data was collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire after obtaining consent and assuring them of confidentiality. The data was analysed using Epi Info version 3.5.1 statistical software. Results: the rate of substance abuse among the pregnant women in this study was 10.8%, alcohol abuse was the greatest (5.4%) followed by sedatives (3.9%) and cigarette (1.5%). Marital status, educational level and employment status were found to be significantly associated with substance abuse among these pregnant women. Miscarriage and pre-term delivery was found to be more among women who abuse substances on pregnancy compared to those who did not (p=0.008 and p=0.047 respectively). Conclusion: The prevalence of substance abuse among the pregnant women in this study was found to be as high as 10.8% and alcohol was the most abused substance (5.4%) among them. This study also revealed that single or divorced pregnant women abused substances more and a woman from a polygamous or single parents’ background was more likely to be an abuser. Lower level of education (none or primary) and unemployment predisposed pregnant women to substance abuse.