Prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus infection and drug use in pregnant women: a critical review of the literature

Embodied Deviance, Gender, and Epistemologies of Ignorance: Re-Visioning Drugs Use in a Neurochemical, Unjust World

The paper develops key notions needed for a feminist embodiment approach to drugs, their use and users. First, the term embodied deviance is defined in relationship to women drug users. Second, the bodily tasks of gendered drug use are defined to show how "normal" embodiment is foreclosed to women drug users. Third, disease regimes and epistemologies of ignorance are introduced. Fourth, another piece is inserted into the feminist embodiment puzzle -emotions. Simply, we look at some of the practices that emerge from the affective dimensions of gendered drug use. In the concluding section of my paper, I ask, "Where do we go from here?"

Seizing the 9-month moment: addressing behavioral risks in prenatal patients

OBJECTIVE

Our qualitative study explored prenatal care providers' methods for identifying and counseling pregnant women to reduce or stop smoking, alcohol use, illicit drug use, and the risk of domestic violence.

METHODS

We conducted six focus groups (five with OB/Gyn physicians, one with nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives), total N=49, using open-ended questions. Investigators analyzed transcripts to identify and describe themes.

RESULTS

Three major themes emerged: (1) specific risk-prevention tactics or strategies exist that are useful during pregnancy; (2) some providers address patients' isolation or depression; and (3) providers can adopt a policy of "just chipping away" at risks. Specific tactics included normalizing risk prevention, using specific assessment techniques and counseling strategies, employing a patient-centered style of smoking reduction, and involving the family.

CONCLUSIONS

Providers generally agreed that addressing behavioral risks in pregnant patients is challenging. Patient-centered techniques and awareness of patients' social contexts help patients disclose and discuss risks.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Brief but routine assessment and risk reduction messages require little time of the provider, but can make a big difference to the patient, who may make changes later.