The Impact of Insurance Status and Maternal Health Factors of Pregnant Women with a History of Opioid Misuse on Infant Health Outcomes

Abstract

The opioid epidemic in the United States continues to pose significant challenges, particularly for pregnant women, amidst pervasive stigma and shortcomings in our healthcare system. This study investigates the impact of insurance status, access to treatment for opioid misuse during pregnancy, and the adequacy of prenatal care on infant health outcomes within this vulnerable population. Using data from the CDC PRAMS phase 8 surveys spanning 2016 to 2022, a cohort of mothers identified as opioid misusers was analyzed. Chi-squared analysis was employed to assess correlations between maternal factors and infant health outcomes. Key findings indicate that insurance status is correlated with infant length of hospital stay, highlighting the importance of insurance coverage. Maternal receipt of Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) correlated with the likelihood of infants remaining with their mothers post-birth, underscoring the potential benefits of MAT as an intervention for maternal and infant well-being. Additionally, the adequacy of prenatal care was associated with infant length of stay, maternal-infant cohabitation, and NICU admissions, suggesting avenues for targeted interventions to support women with OUD and their infants. These findings emphasize the critical need for continued research and comprehensive support and intervention strategies to address the complex interplay between maternal opioid misuse and infant health outcomes.