Disability and Opioids Among Pregnant Women

Abstract

This study using data from the 2015 to 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health examined prescription opioid use and misuse among pregnant women with sensory, cognitive, or daily activities–related disabilities. Pregnant women with any type of disability had higher adjusted odds of using (AOR, 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27–2.29) and misusing (AOR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.22–3.28) opioids within the past year. Pain relief (59.5%) was the greatest motive for last opioid misuse. Approximately, 45% of women acquired opioids from friends/relatives and 25% obtained opioids from other non-medical sources. Pregnant women with disabilities are at increased risk for prescription opioid use and misuse.