PREVALENCE OF PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCE USE IN PREGNANT AND POSTPARTUM WOMEN HOSPITALIZED IN A REFERENCE MATERNITY HOSPITAL IN CEARÁ

Abstract

Introduction: The increase in the consumption of licit and illicit drugs during pregnancy has contributed to health worsening, socio-family problems, and incidences of violence, constituting a global public health problem. Objective: To analyze the prevalence of psychoactive substance use in pregnant/puerperal women hospitalized in a reference maternity hospital in Ceará. Methodology: This is an exploratory, cross-sectional, retrospective documentary study of a quantitative nature, with a sample of 354 pregnant women/puerperal women. The instrument was used to guide the collection of data from the medical records: sociodemographic and gynecological-obstetric data. The collection was carried out from March to July 2023. It was submitted to the Ethics Committee for Research in the Health Area, and was approved by opinion No. 6.204.206 and Certificate of Presentation for Ethical Appreciation (CAAE) No. 70011723.5.0000.5050. Results and Discussion: Of the 384 medical records analyzed, 78 women reported the use of licit and/or illicit substances, 8 (10%) pregnant women and 70 (90%) puerperal women. Regarding the use of licit substances during pregnancy, the most frequent drug was tobacco, followed by alcohol. Regarding the use of illicit substances, the most frequent was marijuana/hashish/Skank (n=57, 73%), followed by cocaine (n=35, 45%) and crack (n=17, 22%). The results allow us to identify the need to expand public policies and implement new measures aimed at capturing and increasing the adherence of these women to health and rehabilitation services and, in this way, offering quality and holistic care in view of the needs found in each woman. Conclusion: The present study shows a population of vulnerability among pregnant and puerperal women who use PAS with a sociodemographic profile that requires greater attention from health professionals in addition to gynecological and obstetric care. Knowing more about the factors related to the greater probability of use of these substances in order to establish targeted and more assertive public policies is prevalent and necessary to change this scenario.