The Effect of Drug Abuse Among Pregnant Women on Neonatal Outcomes in Borno State
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Background of the Study:
Drug abuse among pregnant women is an emerging public health crisis that poses severe risks to neonatal outcomes. Substance abuse—including the misuse of opioids, stimulants, and other illicit drugs—during pregnancy has been linked to adverse neonatal outcomes such as low birth weight, neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), preterm birth, and developmental delays (Ali & Musa, 2024). In Borno State, ongoing socio-political challenges and economic instability contribute to increased drug abuse among vulnerable populations, including pregnant women.
Research has demonstrated that exposure to drugs in utero can disrupt fetal development by interfering with placental blood flow, impairing nutrient delivery, and altering brain development. Neonates born to mothers who abuse drugs may experience withdrawal symptoms, respiratory distress, and long-term cognitive and behavioral issues. In Borno State, where healthcare infrastructure is often strained by security concerns and limited resources, the management of drug-related neonatal complications is particularly challenging.
Moreover, stigma associated with drug abuse and the fear of legal repercussions may discourage pregnant women from seeking help, thereby exacerbating the negative outcomes for both mother and child (Olawale et al., 2023). This study aims to investigate the effect of drug abuse among pregnant women on neonatal outcomes in Borno State, providing a basis for targeted interventions and improved clinical management of affected neonates.
Statement of the Problem:
Drug abuse among pregnant women in Borno State represents a significant challenge to neonatal health. Many expectant mothers who abuse drugs do not receive adequate prenatal care due to stigma, fear, or limited access to addiction treatment services. Consequently, neonates are at an increased risk of adverse outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm delivery, and neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), which require specialized and often resource-intensive care (UNICEF, 2024).
The lack of comprehensive screening and intervention programs for substance abuse in pregnant women further compounds the problem. Healthcare providers in Borno State face difficulties in identifying and managing drug abuse among pregnant women due to insufficient training and resources. This gap in healthcare delivery not only endangers neonatal health but also contributes to a cycle of long-term developmental and behavioral issues that can persist into childhood and beyond. There is an urgent need for research to document the extent of drug abuse among pregnant women in Borno State and its direct impact on neonatal outcomes, in order to inform effective public health strategies and clinical protocols.
Objectives of the Study:
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To assess the prevalence of drug abuse among pregnant women in Borno State.
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To evaluate the impact of maternal drug abuse on neonatal outcomes such as birth weight, gestational age, and incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome.
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To identify barriers to effective intervention and treatment for drug abuse in pregnant women.
Research Questions:
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What is the prevalence of drug abuse among pregnant women in Borno State?
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How does maternal drug abuse affect neonatal outcomes such as low birth weight and preterm delivery?
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What are the main barriers preventing pregnant women from accessing substance abuse treatment services?
Research Hypotheses:
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Drug abuse among pregnant women in Borno State is associated with a higher incidence of adverse neonatal outcomes.
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Neonates born to drug-abusing mothers exhibit significantly lower birth weights and gestational ages compared to those born to non-abusing mothers.
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Stigma and lack of accessible treatment facilities significantly hinder pregnant women from receiving substance abuse interventions.
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
This study will focus on pregnant women in Borno State with a history of drug abuse and their neonatal outcomes. Data will be collected from healthcare facilities, treatment centers, and through surveys. Limitations include potential underreporting of drug use due to stigma and legal concerns, as well as challenges in isolating the effects of drug abuse from other confounding factors such as poor nutrition or concurrent health issues.
Definitions of Terms:
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Drug Abuse: The misuse of illegal or prescription substances that adversely affects health.
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Neonatal Outcomes: Health indicators in newborns, including birth weight, gestational age, and the presence of conditions such as neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).
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Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS): A group of conditions caused by withdrawal symptoms in newborns exposed to addictive substances in utero.
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