Interconnections between unintended pregnancy, alcohol and other drug
use, and pregnancy, birth, infant, childhood, and socio-economic
outcomes: a scoping review
Abstract
Abstract Background Unintended pregnancy (UIP) and substance use
disorder (SUD) share underlying root causes with similar potential
impacts for women and their offspring in pregnancy, birth and beyond.
Furthermore, use of alcohol and other drugs (AOD) increases the risk of
UIP. Objectives To assess the available evidence on impact of UIP on
health, social and economic outcomes, in women who use AOD. Search
Strategy The review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute
Methodology for Scoping Reviews and PRISMA reporting guidelines. The
search was conducted across multiple electronic databases, including
Scopus and Medline, and limited to studies published between January
2000 to June 2023. Selection Criteria Studies reporting on interactions
between AOD use and UIP, and subsequent pregnancy, birth, infant,
childhood, social or economic outcomes. All patterns and types of AOD
use, except isolated use of tobacco, were included. Studies were
available in English and conducted in high income countries. Data
Collection and Analysis Selected articles were reviewed, and data
collected by 2 independent reviewers using a standardised data
extraction sheet. Findings were summarised and reported descriptively.
Main Results A total of 2383 titles and abstracts were screened, 97 full
texts were reviewed, and three studies were selected for inclusion in
the scoping review. There was heterogeneity in types and patterns of AOD
use, differences in study design and tools to assess pregnancy
intention, and each focused on disparate outcomes. No study assessed or
reported on birth outcomes. Conclusion There is a paucity of data
examining the intersection between AOD use and UIP and further research
is needed. Funding The University of Sydney Albert S. McKern
Scholarship; Australian National Health and Medical research Council
fellowship (APP1197940) and Financial Markets Foundation for Children.