ABSTRACT
Background: This study was designed to investigate patterns and risk factors for substance use among obstetrical patients who gave birth during the early period of the pandemic, and their partners. Method(s): Cross-sectional survey of obstetrical patients between March 17th and June 16th, 2020, at The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada. Substance use was a composite measure of any alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis use since COVID-19 began. Four outcomes included: any participant substance use or increase in substance use, any partner substance use or increase in substance use. Adjusted risk ratios (ARR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) are presented. Finding(s): Of 216 participants, 113 (52.3%) and 15 (6.9%) obstetrical patients reported substance use and increased use, respectively. Those born in Canada (ARR: 2.03;95% CI: 1.27-3.23) and those with lower household income (ARR: 1.38;95% CI: 1.04-1.85) had higher risk of substance use. Those with postpartum depression (ARR: 5.78;95%CI: 2.22-15.05) had the highest risk of increased substance use. Families affected by school/daycare closure reported a higher risk of increased partner substance use (ARR: 2.46;95% CI:1.38-4.39). Conclusion(s): This study found that risk factors for substance use included demographics (i.e., being born in Canada, income), mental health (postpartum depression), and school/childcare closures.Copyright © 2023 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.