Social support and anxiety in pregnant drug abusers and nonusers: unexpected findings of few differences.

Abstract

Drug-abusing (n = 25) and nonusing (n = 55) pregnant women from a publicly supported prenatal clinic were tested for level of social support and of pregnancy anxiety during the last half of pregnancy. Differences found between the groups were fewer than expected. Drug abusers did not differ from nonusers in overall level of social support or in Appraisal, Belonging, or Tangible subscales. Abusers were found to report lower levels of self esteem; lower self esteem was predicted by drug abuse, having more children and lower socioeconomic status. Drug abusers did not differ from nonusers in their overall feelings of pregnancy anxiety, but they did indicate higher fears for themselves and for the baby, and there was a tendency for higher depression and withdrawal.