Maternal substance abuse prevalence and related neurodevelopmental outcomes: a scoping review

Abstract

Substance use during pregnancy is a complex issue with significant implications for both maternal and foetal health. The prevalence of substance abuse among pregnant women varies across age groups and regions, and its associations with adverse developmental outcomes are well-established. Understanding the implications of substance abuse on foetal neurodevelopment is crucial for effective intervention and support systems, given the challenges it poses to public health, healthcare providers, and society as a whole. Four significant databases, including PubMed CENTRAL, PubMed, PsycINFO, and JSTOR, were searched for records. Additionally, data from Google Scholar and Google were incorporated. The scoping review was conducted in accordance with Arksey and O’Malley’s criteria. Twenty-six papers were included in this review based on eligibility criteria. The prevalence of maternal substance abuse varied across regions, with implications for tailored interventions. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were multifaceted, including brain anatomical abnormalities, autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, and behavioural disturbances. Different substances exhibited varying impacts on foetal neurodevelopment. The high prevalence rates of substance abuse among pregnant women, as highlighted by the presented data, underscore the urgency of addressing this public health concern. The well-established associations between maternal substance abuse and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes emphasise the need for tailored interventions and support systems to mitigate potential long-term consequences.