Abstract
Objective: Previous research has revealed a general association between induced abortion and
substance use. The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation when substance
use is measured specifically during a subsequent pregnancy. Study Design: A nationally representative sample of women was surveyed about substance use during
pregnancy shortly after giving birth. Women with a previous induced abortion, whose
second pregnancy was delivered, were compared separately with women with one previous
birth and with women with no previous births. Results: Compared with women who gave birth, women who had had an induced abortion were significantly
more likely to use marijuana (odds ratio, 10.29; 95% CI, 3.47-30.56), various illicit
drugs (odds ratio, 5.60; 95% CI, 2.39-13.10), and alcohol (odds ratio, 2.22; 95% CI,
1.31-3.76) during their next pregnancy. The results with only first-time mothers were
very similar. Conclusion: Psychosocial mechanisms that may explain the findings are discussed. Screening for
abortion history may help to identify pregnant women who are at risk for substance
use more effectively. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;187:1673-8.)
Keywords
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Article Info
Publication History
Accepted:
June 14,
2002
Received in revised form:
May 14,
2002
Received:
January 24,
2002
Footnotes
☆Reprint requests: Priscilla Coleman, PhD, Human Development and Family Studies, 16F Family and Consumer Sciences Bldg, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403. E-mail: [email protected]
Identification
Copyright
© 2002 Published by Elsevier Inc.
