Alcohol and Substance Abuse

Abstracts of the 2014 Student Paramedics Australasia Conference

“…In 2002/2003, 18 percent of pregnant females smoked during pregnancy. (12) High smoking rates in low SES communities can be attributed to lack of education (12) and peer pressure. (5) Not only are low SES females more likely to smoke, they are also less likely to seek help from doctors to quit.…”

“…(11) Low SES females are often unaware of pregnancy until late into the first trimester and may only begin to cease or reduce smoking habits when pregnancy is confirmed. (12) Even a small number of cigarettes consumed during conception and pregnancy can be detrimental (13) and can increase the risk of preterm birth, a low birth-weight, placenta previa and placental abruption. (12) Females who smoke during pregnancy have a 30% higher chance of giving birth prematurely.…”

“…(12) Even a small number of cigarettes consumed during conception and pregnancy can be detrimental (13) and can increase the risk of preterm birth, a low birth-weight, placenta previa and placental abruption. (12) Females who smoke during pregnancy have a 30% higher chance of giving birth prematurely. (14) In addition, smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.…”

“…(15) In 2002/2003, 4.3 percent of pregnant females used illicit drugs and 4.1 percent took part in binge alcohol consumption. (12) Due to poor education, low self-esteem, lack of contraceptive agents such as the contraceptive pill and reduced rate of abortions, females in the 15-25 year old age bracket in low SES societies are more likely to fall pregnant and continue to use illicit drugs and alcohol. (12) As with smoking, those who use drugs and alcohol are not likely to tell their doctors as there is stigma surrounding this topic.…”

“…(12) Due to poor education, low self-esteem, lack of contraceptive agents such as the contraceptive pill and reduced rate of abortions, females in the 15-25 year old age bracket in low SES societies are more likely to fall pregnant and continue to use illicit drugs and alcohol. (12) As with smoking, those who use drugs and alcohol are not likely to tell their doctors as there is stigma surrounding this topic. (11) Given the range of social drugs on the market, it is impossible to understand the effect that each drug can have and their short and long term effects on pregnancy and childbirth.…”