Factors associated with the prevalence of neonatal abstinence syndrome in West Virginia

Abstract

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a group of problems associated with withdrawal symptoms of a newborn who was exposed to maternal opiate use while in the womb. West Virginia (WV) is of utmost concern as this state exhibits among the highest rates of opioid abuse and consequently, NAS. In this manuscript, we review factors associated with the prevalence of NAS in WV. We provide evidence suggesting that states exhibiting high Medicaid participation demonstrate a high NAS rate, further associating these two factors. Although a similar trend was observed in the substate geographic regions of WV, the presence of regional treatment facilities was negatively associated with NAS prevalence in WV, possibly suggesting that the establishment and utilization of more of these facilities may reduce NAS. Future research

Prescription drug monitoring programs and neonatal outcomes

“…While over the last two decades NAS incidence increased in most states, the rate of change differed substantially among them. In West Virginia, NAS incidence in 2013 was 33.4 per 1,000 births (Rogerson et al, 2018), while in Hawaii it was 0.7. Such differences reflect both variations across states in opioid-prescription rates and the prevalence of illicit opioid use, but they could also in part reflect differences in how NAS is classified within the data.…”

Elucidating the Relationship Between Maternal Diabetes and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

“…Health insurance status was recorded as private, Medicaid, or no insurance. Several studies have found a significant positive correlation between Medicaid insurance and NAS 18,22. Education was dichotomized to 10th grade and below, and 11th grade and above.…”

“…While data show only about half of infants exposed to substances in utero develop NAS, the reason that some infants are affected and some are spared remains elusive 16. Although the type and amount of substance likely plays a role,17 there is also an association of NAS development with sociodemographic risk factors such as maternal age, race, and health insurance status 1,18. Therefore, the origins of NAS are likely due to an intricate interplay of genetic and environmental factors.…”

“…16 Although the type and amount of substance likely plays a role, 17 there is also an association of NAS development with sociodemographic risk factors such as maternal age, race, and health insurance status. 1,18 Therefore, the origins of NAS are likely due to an intricate interplay of genetic and environmental factors.…”

“…Several studies have found a significant positive correlation between Medicaid insurance and NAS. 18,22 Education was dichotomized to 10th grade and below, and 11th grade and above. While 30.9% of the US population achieves a bachelor's degree or higher, only 19.9% of West Virginians achieve the same.…”