Substance use and self-medication during pregnancy and associations with socio-demographic data: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract Objective To identify women vulnerable to substance use and self-medication during pregnancy based on associations with socio-demographic data. Methods Data were collected in person, with self-developed questionnaires, from pregnant women ( n  = 422) in Chengdu, China, from July to November 2012. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to reveal associations with socio-demographic parameters. Results Higher educational background, being employed, and higher educational background of the mother were associated with a 37% [odds ratio (OR):0.63, 95%CI:0.45–0.89], 65% (OR:0.35, 95%CI:0.13–0.94), and 29% (OR: 0.71, 95%CI:0.53–0.96) less likelihood of alcohol use, respectively. Adverse pregnancy outcome was associated with a 2.13-fold (OR: 2.13, 95%CI: 1.07–4.25) greater likelihood of alcohol use. Young age and higher educational background were associated with an 11% (OR: 0.89, 95%CI: 0.81–0.98) and 31% (OR:0.69, 95%CI:0.49–0.98) less likelihood of cigarette smoking, respectively. Conclusion Socio-demographic parameters were associated with substance use during pregnancy and warrants targeted health education provided by nurses to pregnant women.