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Vulnerable Populations

Clinical Levels of Depression are Associated with Elevated Substance Use in a Sample of Black Pregnant Women

(PS13-A2) Clinical Levels of Depression Are Associated with Elevated Substance Use in a Sample of Black Pregnant Women

Sunday, November 19, 2023
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM PST
Location: Regency Ballroom, Level 7

Substance use during pregnancy is a widespread issue in the United States. Studies demonstrate that expectant mothers may use substances to cope with unaddressed mental illness. This pattern of self-medication is especially important as it pertains to Black pregnant women, who often report elevated stress due to the compounding effects of racism and discrimination. Although findings indicate that Black pregnant women may be more susceptible to prenatal psychopathology and substance use, more research is necessary to draw definitive conclusions about the link between the two. The current study examined this association between tobacco and cannabis use and maternal depression among Black pregnant women. The study sample consisted of 356 Black women (M= 25.9 years old, SD= 5.31) who participated in two study visits (8-14- and 24-30-weeks’ gestation). Participants completed the Edinburgh Depression Scale (EDS) at both visits. EDS scores at or above 10 were determined to be clinically significant. Metabolites of nicotine (COT) and cannabis (THCA) were assayed from maternal urine collected at each visit. Independent samples t-tests revealed that, participants who met criteria for clinical depression indicated higher levels of THCA (M= 2.95 ng/mL, SE= .16) than those who did not meet criteria (M= 2.43 ng/mL, SE= .12). This difference was significant (t(354)= -2.53, p < .05). Additionally, participants who met criteria for clinical depression evidenced higher levels of COT (M= 3.13 ng/mL, SE= .24) than their non-depressed counterparts (M= 2.38 ng/mL, SE= .15). Again, this difference was significant (t(354)=-2.73, p < .01). Our results indicate a robust association between clinical depression and higher rates of prenatal substance exposure. These findings suggest that substances may be a form of self-medication for Black mothers seeking ways to alleviate their symptoms of depression. It is our hope that this research will contribute to the understanding of why high rates of maternal, prenatal substance use exist among minoritized communities. Furthermore, this data has the potential to help inform culturally-sensitive smoking cessation interventions, which is a necessary step towards achieving equitable clinical care for all.