Prevalence of Illicit Drug Use among Pregnant Women: A Cross-Sectional Study in Kerman, Iran

Drug use during pregnancy is a growing public health problem worldwide. This study determined the prevalence of illicit drug use among pregnant women in Kerman, Sought East Iran. This cross-sectional study was performed in 2020 on the 966 pregnant women referring to the Central Clinical Laboratory of Kerman for routine pregnancy tests. Urine sample of pregnant women was tested anonymously in two stages. At first, a qualitative screening test was done using the rapid immunoassay method. Then for positive specimens, thin layer chromatography was used to confirm the initial positive results. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression. The mean age of the participants was 27.3±6.6 years.  Most of the respondents (93.8%) were urban dwellers. Also, 7.0% (95% CI: 5.4–8.7) of urine samples were positive for illicit drug. Opium was the most frequently used drug (83.8%). No urine sample was positive for marijuana and tramadol. The older the participants, the more likely they used drugs (odds ratio=1.05; CI 95%:1.01-1.09). Women with low socioeconomic status were nearly 2.2 times more likely to use illicit drugs. The prevalence of drug use is alarming among pregnant women in South eEast Iran. Considering this issue is necessary during prenatal care.