Frequency and Associated Risk Factors of Non-Fatal Overdose Reported by Pregnant Women with Opioid Use Disorder

Abstract

Background

Little is known about opioid overdose or naloxone access among pregnant women.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of non-fatal overdose, risk factors for overdose, and naloxone access among third trimester women in treatment for opioid use disorder.

Methods

We collected baseline data from a case management parental-support intervention study. To explore the association of variables with past year overdose, we used Wilcoxon rank-sum test, Chi square or Fisher’s exact tests.

Results

Among 99 participants, 14% (95% CI 7–21%) reported past year overdose and 67% (95% CI 57–76%) had received overdose education and a naloxone kit. Younger age was the only variable associated with past year overdose.

Conclusions

In this sample, past year non-fatal overdose was common, younger age was a risk factor, and most participants had received a naloxone kit. Further work is needed to understand whether younger age is a risk factor in the general population of pregnant women with opioid use disorder and to identify other potential risk factors for overdose in this population.