In Utero Exposure to Opioids: An Observational Study of Mothers Involved in the Child Welfare System

ABSTRACT

Background: Women are underrepresented in the current substance abuse research; however, women are a particularly vulnerable population when it comes to opioid use and abuse. Pregnant women are even more so, because of the potential that exists for in utero exposure (IUE) to substances. Objectives: To identify trends in IUE to opioids in order to ensure that resources are allocated effectively to address the current opioid epidemic and to assist the populations most affected by it. Methods: This study draws on 15 years' worth of clinical assessment data collected from 3598 child welfare-involved mothers to assess for trends in IUE to substances over time. Data from the last 5 year period (N = 852) are then analyzed to identify recent demographic correlates associated with IUE to opioid substances. Results: A substantial increase in the rates of IUE to opioids over the past 15 years is observed among child welfare-involved mothers. Moreover, we find that race is a significant correlate of IUE to opioids. Conclusion: Study findings are consistent with other recent research that demonstrates racial differences in the populations that are most affected by the opioid epidemic; however, more research is needed to determine how these racial differences in rates of IUE to opioids affect child welfare outcomes.

KEYWORDS:

• Fetal substance exposure
• child welfare
• administrative data
• prescription opioids
• heroin
• longitudinal trends

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Financial disclosure

The authors report no relevant financial conflicts involved with this study.

Funding

This study was supported by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services as part of the Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse (AODA) IV—E Waiver Project Evaluation.