The relationship between interpersonal trauma and substance misuse in pregnancy – a narrative review of the literature

Waddell, Naomi; Karatzias, Thanos

doi:10.12968/bjom.2019.27.9.578

The relationship between interpersonal trauma and substance misuse in pregnancy – a narrative review of the literature

Waddell, Naomi; Karatzias, Thanos

Authors

Naomi Waddell

Prof Thanos Karatzias T.Karatzias@napier.ac.uk
Professor

Abstract

Background
There is a strong body of evidence supporting associations between interpersonal trauma (IPT) and substance use; however, this tends to focus on associations between childhood trauma and substance use in non-pregnant populations. Neonatal and obstetric outcomes are poorer among pregnant women with problematic substance use, yet few studies have explored IPT as a possible mechanism underlying their use of substances.

Aim
To explore the literature regarding the relationship between IPT and substance misuse among pregnant women.

Method
A systematic search of relevant databases was conducted and a narrative review of the literature was undertaken. Titles, abstracts and full articles were screened against inclusion criteria. Data were extracted and quality assessed.

Findings
A total of 15 studies were identified that suggested associations between negative life events and substance misuse in pregnant women/new mothers.

Conclusions
Although a link between IPT and substance misuse is suggested, this review has highlighted a number of important gaps in the literature that warrant further investigation. These include a paucity of UK-based studies, and a lack of research that fully explores possible associations between IPT and substance use in pregnant women. Moreover, research to date has employed quantitative methodology.

Citation

Waddell, N., & Karatzias, T. (2019). The relationship between interpersonal trauma and substance misuse in pregnancy – a narrative review of the literature. British Journal of Midwifery, 27(9), 578-588. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjom.2019.27.9.578

Journal Article Type	Article
Acceptance Date	Apr 23, 2019
Online Publication Date	Sep 6, 2019
Publication Date	Sep 2, 2019
Deposit Date	May 31, 2019
Publicly Available Date	Mar 3, 2020
Journal	British Journal of Midwifery
Print ISSN	0969-4900
Electronic ISSN	2052-4307
Publisher	Mark Allen Healthcare
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	27
Issue	9
Pages	578-588
DOI	https://doi.org/10.12968/bjom.2019.27.9.578
Keywords	Interpersonal trauma; Interpersonal violence; Substance use; Substance misuse; Pregnancy; New mothers
Public URL	http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/1789254

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Copyright Statement
This document is the Accepted Manuscript version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in the British Journal of Midwifery, Vol. 27. No. 9, copyright © MA Healthcare, after peer review and technical editing by the publisher. To access the final edited and published work see https://doi.org/10.12968/bjom.2019.27.9.578.