Maternal attitudes towards pre-natal substance abuse, medical care, and treatment in a historically disadvantaged South African community

Abstract

This study explored maternal substance abuse and the access to pre-natal medical care and treatment for substance abuse during pregnancy. Respondent mothers (n = 102; mean age = 27.8 years, SD = 10.9 years) were from Mitchell’s Plain, a historically disadvantaged South African community. The mothers completed a mixed methods interview on the context and influences of their substance abuse during their pregnancy. Findings suggest that these mothers adopt the drug taking behaviour in their social environment. Women with prior histories of substance abuse were active consumers and dependent on drugs while childbearing. These findings may be important for possible intervention strategies among this particular group of vulnerable women.

Keywords:

• maternal attitudes
• pre-natal care
• pre-natal substance abuse
• socio-ecological circumstances
• substance abuse treatment

Acknowledgements

Financial support received from the Research and Innovation Committee of the College of Law, University of South Africa is acknowledged. All opinions and conclusions contained in this article are those of the authors.