Experiences of Women with Substance Use Disorder Regarding the Pregnancy Process

Objective: Substance use in pregnancy is a critical public health problem that is associated with several harmful maternal and fetal outcomes. This study was conducted to investigate the pregnancy, delivery experiences of women with substance use disorder (SUD) and the problems they encounter while using healthcare services. Method: In the study, the qualitative research design of case study was used. This study was conducted between February 2019 and 2020 at a SUD clinic. The method of purposive sampling was used in the study. The population of the study consisted of the files of female patients who visited the clinic in the period of 01.01.2010-2018, and these files were retrospectively analyzed. The patients who turned out to be Beta HCG-positive in these files constituted the population of the study. The study was completed with 8 patients. The data of the study were collected between 01.02.2019 and 2020. The data collection instrument consisted of two parts including a “Participant Information Form” on the descriptive information of the women and a “Semi-Structured Interview Form”. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed by removing all identifying information. Afterwards, the interview data were coded, interpreted and reported. Results: The pregnant women with substance use stated that their pregnancy was unplanned and found out late, most stated they were afraid when they learned about their pregnancy due to some reasons, most said they sought help from healthcare personnel, half stated they could not receive help from healthcare personnel, and some said they were exposed to the stigmatizing behaviors of healthcare personnel. Conclusion: Pregnant women using substances encounter many obstacles in receiving and continuing treatment during their pregnancy and after delivery.