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Whitlock C, Chang C, Onishchenko R, Joassaint M, Madlambayan E, Oshman L, Frank CJ. Perspectives of adolescents and young adults on cannabis use during pregnancy. Addict Behav 2024; 156:108059. [PMID: 38723313 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2024.108059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Rates of cannabis use during pregnancy are highest for adolescents and young adults (AYAs). This study aims to understand AYA perspectives regarding the medical and legal consequences of prenatal and parental cannabis use. METHODS This study delivered five open-ended survey questions regarding prenatal cannabis use in May/June 2022 via a text message polling platform to the MyVoice cohort, a cohort of AYA aged 14-24 throughout the United States recruited from social media to target national benchmarks set by the American Community Survey. We used qualitative content analysis to analyze open-ended responses and summarized code frequency and demographic data with descriptive statistics. RESULTS Of 826 AYAs, 666 responded to at least one question (response rate = 80.6 %) and the mean age of respondents was 19.9 years (SD = 2.3). We identified four themes from responses: (1) AYA believe cannabis is harmful during pregnancy, (2) they are divided on whether prenatal cannabis exposure should be considered child abuse or neglect, (3) they have mixed attitudes about safe parenting and regular cannabis use, and (4) they support counseling from health care professionals about prenatal cannabis use. CONCLUSIONS AYAs were concerned about potential risks of prenatal cannabis exposure and want clinicians to counsel about cannabis use during pregnancy. More than one in three AYAs surveyed felt prenatal cannabis use should be classified as child abuse or neglect, in contrast to the declining perception of risk among pregnant people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Whitlock
- University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 Catherine St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Claire Chang
- University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 Catherine St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Regina Onishchenko
- University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 Catherine St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | | | - Lauren Oshman
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, 1018 Fuller St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Christopher J Frank
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, 1018 Fuller St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Iobst SE, Skelton KR. Reconsidering Breastfeeding Recommendations in the Context of Cannabis Use to Support Health Equity. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2024; 53:451-458. [PMID: 39151897 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogn.2024.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The authors offer guidance to perinatal nurses and clinicians on how to assist patients who use cannabis and wish to breastfeed.
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Soos A, Plegue M, Darwiche A, Oshman L, Frank CJ. Racial Disparities in Newborn Drug Testing After Implementation of Question-Based Screening for Prenatal Substance Use. Obstet Gynecol 2024; 144:233-240. [PMID: 38843536 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the association of universal question-based screening for prenatal substance use on racial inequities in prenatal and newborn drug testing. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 32,802 live births of patients receiving prenatal care at an academic medical center in the midwestern United States from 2014 to 2022, before and after implementation of question-based screening in 2018. Primary outcomes included prenatal and newborn drug test orders. Logistic regression models using a generalized estimating equation framework assessed associations with question-based screening and results, birthing parent age, race, ethnicity, marital status, and insurance type. Charts of patients who indicated difficulties stopping substance use were audited for guideline-directed care. RESULTS A total of 12,725 of 14,992 pregnant people (85.3%) received question-based screening. Implementation of question-based screening was associated with a decrease in prenatal urine test orders (5.0% [95% CI, 4.6-5.3%] before implementation, 3.1% [95% CI, 2.8-3.4%] after implementation; P <.001), with Black birthing parents having the largest reduction in prenatal urine drug testing (10.3% [95% CI, 9.0-11.7%] before implementation, 4.9% [95% CI, 3.9-5.9%] after implementation). However, rates of newborn drug testing did not change (4.7% [95% CI, 4.4-5.0%] before implementation, 4.5% [95% CI, 4.2-4.8%] after implementation; P =.46), and clinicians continued to order significantly more newborn drug tests for newborns of Black birthing parents compared with other race and ethnicity groups. CONCLUSION Implementation of question-based screening for substance use in pregnancy was associated with decreased prenatal urine drug testing but no change in overall newborn drug testing or racial inequities in newborn drug testing for Black birthing people. Further policy efforts are warranted to improve substance use treatment and to eliminate racial inequities in punitive policies such as newborn drug testing and subsequent child protective services reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Soos
- Department of Family Medicine, the Susan B. Meister Child Health Evaluation and Research Center, and the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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4
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McMillin GA, Morad AW, Boyd JM, Johnson-Davis KL, Metz TD, Smid MC, Krasowski MD. Biological Testing and Interpretation of Laboratory Results Associated with Detecting Newborns with Substance Exposure. Clin Chem 2024; 70:934-947. [PMID: 38549034 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvae018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance use during pregnancy is common, as is biological testing that is intended to help identify prenatal exposures. However, there is no standardized requirement for biological testing with either maternal or newborn specimens, nor is there standardization related to when testing occurs, how frequently testing occurs, what specimen(s) to test, what substances to test for, or how to perform testing. CONTENT We review common specimen types tested to detect maternal and newborn substance exposure with a focus on urine, meconium, and umbilical cord tissue. We also review common analytical methods used to perform testing, including immunoassay, and mass spectrometry platforms. Considerations regarding the utilization of testing relative to the purpose of testing, the drug analyte(s) of interest, the specific testing employed, and the interpretation of results are emphasized to help guide decisions about clinical utilization of testing. We also highlight specific examples of unexpected results that can be used to guide interpretation and appropriate next steps. SUMMARY There are strengths and limitations associated with all approaches to detecting substance exposure in pregnant persons as well as biological testing to evaluate a newborn with possible substance exposure. Standardization is needed to better inform decisions surrounding evaluation of substance exposures in pregnant people and newborns. If biological sampling is pursued, testing options and results must be reviewed in clinical context, acknowledging that false-positive and -negative results can and do occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwendolyn A McMillin
- Department of Pathology and ARUP Laboratories, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, United States
| | - Anna W Morad
- Department of Pediatrics, Academic General Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
| | - Jessica M Boyd
- Department of Pathology and ARUP Laboratories, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, United States
| | - Kamisha L Johnson-Davis
- Department of Pathology and ARUP Laboratories, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, United States
| | - Torri D Metz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, United States
| | - Marcela C Smid
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, United States
| | - Matthew D Krasowski
- Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States
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5
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Covington C, Jackson E, Campbell KM, Washington JC, Rodríguez JE. Stop Testing Black Babies! Ann Fam Med 2024; 22:269-270. [PMID: 39038967 PMCID: PMC11268679 DOI: 10.1370/afm.3143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cleavon Covington
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch Health, Galveston, Texas
| | - Elisha Jackson
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch Health, Galveston, Texas
| | - Kendall M Campbell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch Health, Galveston, Texas
| | | | - José E Rodríguez
- Family and Preventative Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
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Shetty C, Oshman L, Costa A, Waidley V, Madlambayan E, Joassaint M, McCabe K, Townsel C, Wu JP, Frank CJ, Chandanabhumma PP. Structural Racism in Newborn Drug Testing: Perspectives of Health Care and Child Protective Services Professionals. Ann Fam Med 2024; 22:271-278. [PMID: 39038971 PMCID: PMC11268687 DOI: 10.1370/afm.3139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Black birthing parents and their newborns disproportionately experience newborn drug testing for prenatal substance exposure by health care professionals (HCPs), which contributes to Child Protective Services (CPS) reporting, family separation, and termination of parental rights. This qualitative study aims to interrogate dominant power structures by exploring knowledge, attitudes, and experiences of HCPs and CPS professionals regarding the influence of structural racism on inequities in newborn drug testing practices. METHODS We conducted semistructured interviews with 30 physicians, midwives, nurses, social workers, and CPS professionals guided by an explanatory framework, and conducted inductive, reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS We identified 3 primary themes: (1) levels of racism beyond the hospital structure contributed to higher rates of drug testing for Black newborns; (2) inconsistent hospital policies led to racialized application of state law and downstream CPS reporting; and (3) health care professionals knowledge of the benefits and disproportionate harms of CPS reporting on Black families influenced their decision making. CONCLUSION Health care professionals recognized structural racism as a driver of disproportionate newborn drug testing. Lack of knowledge and skill limitations of HCPs were barriers to dismantling power structures, thus impeding systems-level change. Institutional changes should shift focus from biologic testing and reporting to supporting the mutual needs of birthing parent and child through family-centered substance use treatment. State and federal policy changes are needed to ensure health equity for Black families and eliminate reporting to CPS for prenatal substance exposure when no concern for child abuse and neglect exists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Shetty
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Lauren Oshman
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Amanda Costa
- Department of Pediatric Hospital Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Victoria Waidley
- Department of Family Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Emily Madlambayan
- College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Madgean Joassaint
- College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Katharine McCabe
- Women and Gender Studies Department, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
| | - Courtney Townsel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Justine P Wu
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Christopher J Frank
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - P Paul Chandanabhumma
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Kurtz T, Charron E, Shakib J, Smid MC. Drug Testing Interpretation in the Peripartum Setting: Results of Clinician Survey. J Addict Med 2024:01271255-990000000-00329. [PMID: 38842171 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000001322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were to (1) survey obstetrical and pediatric clinicians' experience, confidence, and training in maternal and neonatal drug testing interpretation; (2) determine their proficiency in drug test interpretation; and (3) assess predictors of correct interpretation. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey of clinicians caring for pregnant people or newborns at an urban academic center. We assessed clinicians' demographic characteristics, experience, confidence, and prior training in interpretation of maternal and newborn drug tests. We assessed proficiency in interpreting drug tests using 11 clinical vignettes and categorized scores as poor (0-2), fair (3-5), and good (≥6) performance to facilitate data interpretation. We used descriptive statistics to summarize responses. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine associations of clinician characteristics and score category (reference category: poor performance). RESULTS In total, 103 respondents completed the survey including 60 obstetrical clinicians (58.3%), 19 family medicine physicians (18.5%), 21 pediatric clinicians (20.4%), and 3 social workers (2.9%) (response rate, ~40%). The mean correct response was 4.1 (SD, 2.17; range, 0-11). Most respondent scores were fair (n = 47.6%), followed by good (n = 28.2%) and poor (n = 24.3%). Increased frequency, confidence, and training in interpreting maternal screening and confirmatory tests were associated with higher proficiency. Increased confidence and training in interpreting neonatal screening and confirmatory tests, but not frequency, were associated with higher proficiency. CONCLUSIONS Most clinicians demonstrated fair proficiency in interpreting drug tests. Predictors of proficiency were confidence and prior training for drug test interpretation, suggesting that educational interventions could improve proficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Kurtz
- From the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT (TK, MCS); Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Hudson College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Schusterman Center, Tulsa, OK (EC); and Department of General Pediatrics, University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT (JS)
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Miller MR, MacMillan KDL. Growing together: Optimization of care through quality improvement for the mother/infant dyad affected by perinatal opioid use. Semin Perinatol 2024; 48:151907. [PMID: 38702266 DOI: 10.1016/j.semperi.2024.151907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
The care of the dyad affected by opioid use disorder (OUD) requires a multi-disciplinary approach that can be challenging for institutions to develop and maintain. However, over the years, many institutions have developed quality improvement (QI) initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for the mother, baby, and family. Over time, QI efforts targeting OUD in the perinatal period have evolved from focusing separately on the mother and baby to efforts addressing care of the dyad and family during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. Here, we review recent and impactful QI initiatives that serve as examples of work improving outcomes for this population. Further, we advocate that this work be done through a racial equity lens, given ongoing inequities in the care of particularly non-white populations with substance use disorders. Through QI frameworks, even small interventions can result in meaningful changes to the care of babies and families and improved outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan R Miller
- Obstetrics & Gynecology, UMMS-Baystate Medical Center, United States.
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Brown HM, Roper SM, Dietzen DJ, Crews BO. High-sensitivity neonatal urine drug testing has similar positivity rates to meconium for detecting in utero exposure to methamphetamine and cocaine. J Anal Toxicol 2024; 48:99-103. [PMID: 37952088 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkad085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Current guidelines recommend universal screening for substance use disorders in obstetric patients, and neonatal drug testing is also frequently performed. Meconium is often the preferred specimen type to detect neonatal drug exposure due to a longer window of detection compared to urine, but most laboratories send out meconium testing to specialized reference laboratories, which can delay results for several days or more. Here, we evaluate a rapid and definitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for neonatal urine drug testing and compare results obtained using this method to paired meconium drug testing in 1,424 neonates for amphetamines, cocaine, cannabinoids, opiates, oxycodone and phencyclidine. Urine testing showed equivalent sensitivity to current meconium methods for detecting in utero exposure to amphetamines and cocaine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M Brown
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, 425 So Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Stephen M Roper
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, 425 So Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, 425 So Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Dennis J Dietzen
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, 425 So Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, 425 So Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Bridgit O Crews
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, 425 So Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Durrance CP, Atkins DN. Estimating the incidence of substance exposed newborns with child welfare system involvement. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 149:106629. [PMID: 38232502 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal substance use can have negative health consequences for both mother and child and may also increase the likelihood of child welfare involvement. The rate of newborns with substance exposure has increased dramatically. As of 2016, federal law requires notification of all infants to child welfare agencies so that a plan of safe care can be developed and referrals to services can be offered. OBJECTIVE Child welfare agencies have not historically collected consistent, systematic data identifying substance exposed newborns. We utilized a unique strategy to identify substance exposed newborns with child welfare involvement. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING We used data from the National Child Abuse & Detection System (NCANDS) which captures N = 3,189,034 unique child protective services investigations for children under the age of 1 between 2004 and 2017. METHODS We calculated the incidence of substance exposed newborns investigated by child welfare agencies and compared with other administrative data on prenatal substance exposure. We also analyzed this rate by infant demographic characteristics (race/ethnicity, sex, rurality). RESULTS Between 2004 and 2017, approximately 13 % of infants reported to child protective services were likely reported because of substance exposure at birth, and the rate of substance exposed newborns with child welfare involvement increased from 3.79 to 12.90 per 1000 births, an increase of 240 %, over this period. CONCLUSIONS Understanding the extent of the substance use crisis for child welfare involvement is important for policymakers to support children and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Piette Durrance
- La Follette School of Public Affairs, Institute for Research on Poverty, University of Wisconsin, Madison, United States of America.
| | - Danielle N Atkins
- Askew School of Public Administration, Florida State University, United States of America.
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11
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Chang PW, Goyal NK, Chung EK. Marijuana Use and Breastfeeding: A Survey of Newborn Nurseries. Pediatrics 2024; 153:e2023063682. [PMID: 38247374 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-063682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Marijuana use has increased nationally and is the most common federally illicit substance used during pregnancy. This study aimed to describe hospital practices and nursery director knowledge and attitudes regarding marijuana use and breastfeeding and assess the association between breastfeeding restrictions and provider knowledge, geographic region, and state marijuana legalization status. We hypothesized that there would be associations between geography and/or state legalization and hospital practices regarding breastfeeding with perinatal marijuana use. METHODS A cross-sectional, 31-question survey was sent electronically to the 110 US hospital members of the Academic Pediatric Association's Better Outcomes through Research for Newborns (BORN) network. Survey responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics to report frequencies. For comparisons, χ2 and Fisher exact tests were used to determine statistical significance. RESULTS Sixty-nine (63%) BORN nursery directors across 38 states completed the survey. For mothers with a positive cannabinoid screen at delivery, 16% of hospitals universally or selectively restrict breastfeeding. Most (96%) nursery directors reported that marijuana use while breastfeeding is "somewhat" (70%) or "very harmful" (26%). The majority was aware of the potential negative impact of prenatal marijuana use on learning and behavior. There were no consistent statistical associations between breastfeeding restrictions and provider marijuana knowledge, geographic region, or state marijuana legalization status. CONCLUSIONS BORN newborn clinicians report highly variable and unpredictable breastfeeding support practices for mothers with perinatal marijuana use. Further studies are needed to establish evidence-based practices and to promote consistent, equitable care of newborns with perinatal marijuana exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pearl W Chang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington/Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| | - Neera K Goyal
- Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel College of Medicine and Nemours Children's Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Esther K Chung
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington/Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
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12
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Edwards F, Roberts SC, Kenny KS, Raz M, Lichtenstein M, Terplan M. Medical Professional Reports and Child Welfare System Infant Investigations: An Analysis of National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System Data. Health Equity 2023; 7:653-662. [PMID: 37786528 PMCID: PMC10541941 DOI: 10.1089/heq.2023.0136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Medical professionals are key components of child maltreatment surveillance. Updated estimates of reporting rates by medical professionals are needed. Methods We use the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (2000-2019) to estimate rates of child welfare investigations of infants stemming from medical professional reporting to child welfare agencies. We adjust for missing data and join records to population data to compute race/ethnicity-specific rates of infant exposure to child welfare investigations at the state-year level, including sub-analyses related to pregnant/parenting people's substance use. Results Between 2010 and 2019, child welfare investigated 2.8 million infants; ∼26% (n=731,705) stemmed from medical professionals' reports. Population-adjusted rates of these investigations stemming doubled between 2010 and 2019 (13.1-27.1 per 1000 infants). Rates of investigations stemming from medical professionals' reports increased faster than did rates for other mandated reporters, such as teachers and police, whose reporting remained relatively stable. In 2019, child welfare investigated ∼1 in 18 Black (5.4%), 1 in 31 Indigenous (3.2%), and 1 in 41 White infants (2.5%) following medical professionals' reports. Relative increases were similar across racial groups, but absolute increases differed, with 1.3% more of White, 1.7% of Indigenous, and 3.1% of Black infants investigated in 2019 than 2010. Investigations related to substance use comprised ∼35% of these investigations; in some states, this was almost 80%. Discussion Rates of child welfare investigations of infants stemming from medical professional reports have increased dramatically over the past decade with persistent and notable racial inequities in these investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah C.M. Roberts
- Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health (ANSIRH), Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, Oakland, California, USA
| | | | - Mical Raz
- University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, USA
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