Recognizing illicit drug use by pregnant women: reports from Oregon birth attendant

FRANÇAIS :
Durant 1 mois (novembre 1989), toutes les femmes (3 200) de l'Oregon ayant donné naissance à un enfant ont fait l'objet d'une enquête sur leur consommation de drogues illicites en période prénatale . Les données ainsi recueillies, associées aux informations fournies par le certificat de naissance, ont permis d'établir que: 5,2% d'entre elles reconnaissent un usage de drogues illicites (cocaïne, methamphetamine ou héroïne). Elles diffèrent des non-usagers au regard de diverses caractéristiques: niveau d'éducation plus bas; consommation d'alcool et de tabac; soins prénataux inadéquats, prise en charge financière par l'assistance publique. En conclusion, l'étude montre que la prévalence de ce problème est suffisante , pour que des programmes de traitements adequats soient mis en oeuvre.
ENGLISH :
During a 1-month period, birth attendants of all singleton births in Oregon (n=3200) were surveyed regarding their knowledge of prenatal illicit drug use by women who gave birth. Birth certificates were linked to surveys after removal of personal identifiers. Illicit drug use was recognized in 5.2% of delivering women. Nearly half had used cocaine, methamphetamine, or heroin. Recognized users were significantly more likely than nonusers to be unwed and to have used tobacco or alcohol, have received inadequate prenatal care, and have public assistance as a source of payment. Increased efforts are needed to ensure the adequacy of resources necessary to cope with the problem as already recognized. (Extract from authors' abstract)