Perinatal drug use among immigrant and native-born Latinas
Article
Vega, WA, Kolody, B, Hwang, J et al. (1997). Perinatal drug use among immigrant and native-born Latinas
. SUBSTANCE USE & MISUSE, 32(1), 43-62. 10.3109/10826089709027296
Vega, WA, Kolody, B, Hwang, J et al. (1997). Perinatal drug use among immigrant and native-born Latinas
. SUBSTANCE USE & MISUSE, 32(1), 43-62. 10.3109/10826089709027296
Perinatal drug exposures pose a significant health hazard for women and imperil normal fetal and neonatal development. Little is known about patterns of drug exposure among pregnant immigrant and native-born Latinas in the United States. We present multivariate risk factor analyses for alcohol and illicit drug use from the California Perinatal Substance Exposure Study using a statistical probability sample (N = 11,002) of Latinas who were tested anonymously using urine toxicology screening techniques. Alcohol use during pregnancy was pervasive among both immigrant and United States-born Latinas (7%) with little variation on risk factors. Illicit drug use was found primarily in a high risk group of United States-horn Latinas between 25 and 34 years of age who received no prenatal care (prevalence 50%, odds ratio of 185). Increased general awareness of perinatal alcohol risk by medical providers and public health practitioners serving this population is needed. The potential isolation of United States-born Latinas who are at risk for using illicit drugs during pregnancy requires effective communication and outreach.
