Ask them all: Self-report universal prenatal substance use screening in the United States

Abstract

ABSTRACTBackground: Increasing rates of opioid use in the United States have created a national public health crisis. Substance use in pregnancy increases risk for poor birth outcomes. National advisory groups recommend screening all women for prenatal substance use. However, there is no single approach or tool recommended for universal prenatal substance use screening.Objective: This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of universal screening using a direct approach self-report of substance use in pregnancy.Method: A retrospective review of de-identified data to evaluate women’s willingness to self-report substance use through direct screening. Data obtained from 24 months of maternal self-report were analyzed to assess the overall effectiveness of a direct screening method during the prenatal period.Results: Findings revealed maternal substance use disclosure rates of 9.7%, higher than the 5.4% United States national average.Conclusion: Increasing awareness of maternal prenatal substance use offers opportunity for education and support early in pregnancy. Findings suggest the direct method may support maternal self-report of substance use in universal prenatal screening. Additional study with diverse populations and clinical settings is needed.