In this paper, we describe a population of mothers who are opioid dependent at the time of giving birth and neonates exposed to opioids in utero who experience withdrawal following birth. While there have been studies of national trends in this population, there remains a gap in studies of regional trends. Using data from the Arizona Department of Health Services Hospital Discharge Database, this study aimed to characterize the population of neonates with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) and mothers who were opioid dependent at the time of giving birth, in Arizona. We analyzed approximately 1.2 million electronic medical records from the Arizona Department of Health Services Hospital Discharge Database to identify patterns and disparities across socioeconomic, ethnic, racial, and/or geographic groupings. In addition, we identified comorbid conditions that are differentially associated with NOWS in neonates or opioid dependence in mothers. Our analysis was designed to assess whether indicators such as race/ethnicity, insurance payer, marital status, and comorbidities are related to the use of opioids while pregnant. Our findings suggest that women and neonates who are non-Hispanic White and economically disadvantaged, tend be part of our populations of interest more frequently than expected. Additionally, women who are opioid dependent at the time of giving birth are unmarried more often than expected, and we suggest that marital status could be a proxy for support. Finally, we identified comorbidities associated with neonates who have NOWS and mothers who are opioid dependent not previously reported.

Date Presented 03/26/20 This research studied a developmental and relationship-based intervention that provided parents with the capacity to co-regulate their toddlers and support their development of empathy. This intervention was provided to mothers who have adopted toddlers with a history of substance exposure or neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). As rates of children with substance exposure and NAS increase, OTs will find interventions such as this one useful and effective in helping these children and their families. Primary Author and Speaker: Sara Clancey

This study aimed to characterize the population of newborn infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and mothers who were opioid dependent at the time of giving birth, in Arizona. We analyzed approximately 1.2 million electronic medical records from the Arizona Department of Health Services Hospital Discharge Database to identify patterns and disparities across socioeconomic, ethnic/racial, and/or geographic groupings. In addition, we identified comorbid conditions that are differentially associated with NAS in infants or opioid dependence in mothers. Our analysis was designed to assess whether indicators such as race/ethnicity, insurance payer, marital status, and comorbidities are related to the use of opioids while pregnant. In this paper, we describe a population of mothers who are opioid dependent at the time of giving birth and infants who experience withdrawal due to opioid exposure in utero. While there have been studies of national trends in this population (see Patrick et al.), regional trends and issues are less well understood. Using data from the Arizona Department of Health Services Hospital Discharge Database, we find that women and infants who are non-Hispanic White and economically disadvantaged, tend be part of our populations of interest more frequently than expected. Additionally, we find that women who are opioid dependent at the time of giving birth are unmarried more often than expected, and we suggest that marital status could be a proxy for support. Finally, we report comorbidities, some of which have not been previously reported, associated with infants who have NAS and mothers who are opioid dependent.

Date Presented 03/28/20 The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the use of commonly used baby equipment by Navajo parents. The use of traditional equipment (such as cradleboards) and modern-day equipment (such as walkers) reflects both the practical needs of caregivers to protect their babies from harm and the desire to instill in their children cherished cultural values and a sense of belonging. Culturally sensitive education for Navajo parents on safe use of cradleboards and infant walkers is needed. Primary Author and Speaker: Maureen Russell Additional Authors and Speakers: Sara Clancey Contributing Authors: Cathron Donaldson