Objective: In this study we aim to characterize a sample of 85 pregnant crack addicts admitted for detoxification in a psychiatric inpatient unit. Method: Cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic, clinical, obstetric and lifestyle information were evaluated. Results: Age of onset for crack use varied from 11 to 35 years (median = 21). Approximately 25% of the patients smoked more than 20 crack rocks in a typical day of use (median = 10; min-max = 1-100). Tobacco (89.4%), alcohol (63.5%) and marijuana (51.8%) were the drugs other than crack most currently used. Robbery was reported by 32 patients (41.2%), imprisonment experience by 21 (24.7%), trade of sex for money/drugs by 38 (44.7%), home desertion by 33 (38.8%); 15.3% were positive for HIV, 5.9% for HCV, 1.2% for HBV and 8.2% for syphilis. After discharge from the psychiatric unit, only 25% of the sample followed the proposed treatment in the chemical dependency outpatient service. Conclusion: Greater risky behaviors for STD, as well as high rates of maternal HIV and Syphilis were found. Moreover, the high rates of concurrent use of other drugs and involvement in illegal activities contribute to show their chaotic lifestyles. Prevention and intervention programs need to be developed to address the multifactorial nature of this problem.
RESUMOObjetivo: Caracterizar uma amostra de 85 gestantes dependentes de crack admitidas para desintoxicação numa unidade de internação psiquiátrica. Método: Foram avaliadas, de forma transversal, variáveis sociodemográficas, clínico-obstétricas e informações sobre o seu estilo de vida. Resultados: A idade de início de uso do crack variou dos 11 aos 35 anos (mediana = 21). Aproximadamente, 25% das pacientes fumavam mais de 20 pedras de crack em um dia típico de uso (mediana = 10; mín-máx = 1-100). Além do crack, as drogas mais utilizadas eram: tabaco (76; 89,4%), álcool (54; 63,5%) e maconha (44; 51,8%). Roubo foi relatado por 41,2% (32 pacientes), prisão por 24,7% (21), troca de sexo por dinheiro/drogas por 44,7% (38) e abandono do lar por 38,8% (33); 15,3% (13) tinham soropositividade para HIV, Recebido em 25/7/2011 Aprovado em
