Why Do I Smoke Pot when I’m Pregnant? A National Study Examining Social Correlates to Marijuana Use during Pregnancy

Authors

  • Rebecca A. Vidourek, PhD, CHES
  • Keith A. King, PhD, MCHES
  • R. Andrew Yockey, M.S.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47779/ajhs.2019.39

Keywords:

Pregnancy, pregnant, marijuana, depression, legal involvement

Abstract

This study examined depression, legal involvement and social correlates to marijuana use among pregnant females in the US. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health data was examined. Unadjusted odds ratios were computed to determine if marijuana use duringpregnancy differed based on demographic variables, depression, legal involvement and smoking and alcohol use. Results from the unadjusted odds ratios indicated that marijuana use during pregnancy differed significantly based on age, race, health status, past year participation in governmental assistance, past year major depressive episode, past year legal involvement, and past month cigarette smoking, alcohol use and binge drinking. Multivariable logistic regression models revealed that those at highest risk for prenatal marijuana use were those who reported their health status was poor/fair/good health and those who drank alcohol in the past month. Past year major
depressive episode or legal involvement were not associated with marijuana use during pregnancy. Medical care providers and public health educators are encouraged to educate females of reproductive age regarding the adverse effects of marijuana use during pregnancy. Continued awareness campaigns, educational interventions and comprehensive substance abuse prevention programs addressing prenatal marijuana use are needed. Recommendations for future research are offered.

Published

2020-10-23

How to Cite

Vidourek, R. A., King, K. A., & Yockey, R. A. (2020). Why Do I Smoke Pot when I’m Pregnant? A National Study Examining Social Correlates to Marijuana Use during Pregnancy. American Journal of Health Studies, 34(3). https://doi.org/10.47779/ajhs.2019.39

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