Socio-Environmental Experiences of Individuals with Perinatal Nonprescribed Opioid Use

Vollständiger Abstract

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Aims: Perinatal nonprescribed opioid use has become a public health concern due to associated health risks to both maternal and fetal health. Few studies have explored the socio-environmental aspects of nonprescribed opioid use during the perinatal period. To reduce risk, it is critical to understand the factors that contribute to this serious health issue. This article explores how socio-environmental factors shape the experiences of females who used nonprescribed opioids perinatally. Design: Supplementary secondary qualitative analysis. Methods: Original data from a qualitative study conducted with childbearing-aged females ( n = 12) who had recent histories of perinatal nonprescribed opioid use were reanalyzed using Kiger and Varpio’s six phases of inductive thematic analysis. All audio recordings and transcripts from the original semi-structured individual interviews ( n = 14) were utilized. Results: Findings highlight the socioenvironmental influences contributing to nonprescribed opioid use in childbearing-aged females. Themes revealed (1) the identified precursors that consist of family influences and experiences leading to their first use of opioids, and (2) the experiences of the intersection of motherhood and nonprescribed opioid use while navigating healthcare in their communities. Embedded within these themes is the identification of a lack of social support and distrust of the healthcare system. Conclusions: This study offers a better understanding of the precursors and community and healthcare-related factors that may contribute to the use of nonprescribed opioids during the perinatal period. Findings provide implications informing the development of targeted socio-environmental and healthcare-related interventions to reduce the risk for initiation and perpetuation of nonprescribed opioid use in this understudied population.