
Doris Titus-Glover
University of Maryland, USA
Abstract Title:Assessing social determinants of health and psychosocial factors critical to sustaining recovery among pregnant and parenting women with opioid use disorder
Biography:
Doris Titus-Glover, PhD, RN, assistant professor Member, Maryland Department of Health’s Maryland Maternal Mortality Review Stakeholder Group
Research Interest:
Personal recovery capital in the form of access to social determinants of health are critical for sustained recovery among low-income pregnant and parenting women with opioid use disorder (PW-OUD). There is growing evidence of the need to consider the influence of SDOH factors including safe housing, transportation and financial/food insecurities as barriers to recovery. Opportunities for targeted care will be missed if these factors are overlooked. Women’s struggles to cope with parenting are daunting and lack of SDOH factors inhibit progress and recovery. Evidence from the adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) literature suggests interventions focus on addressing SDOH during recovery to reduce relapse risks factors and adverse maternal outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore personal recovery support, including SDOH and psychosocial needs to understand factors for sustaining recovery among PW-OUDs. Method: This study used a mixed method quantitative/qualitative design and recruited women from residential/transitional facilities in an urban area. We used the Accountable Health Communities Health-Related Social Needs tool to assess SDOH factors, level of physical activity, family/community support and mental health (stress). Through focus groups, we interviewed women to describe challenges to recovery and to resources including access to providers, housing, childcare and food assistance from lived experiences. Results: Survey analysis showed SDOH factors such as food and transportation were partially mitigated by residential living; however, PW-OUDs remained concerned about housing and finances; and encountered low levels of physical activity and significant stress. Preliminary results from the focus groups revealed a theme of positive recovery and retention experiences from residential living. Conclusion: Opportunities for improving personal recovery capital outcomes existed for PW-OUDs in residential facilities, however, further exploration of unmet SDOH factors remain critical for recovery retention. Researchers must investigate and adapt strategies to reduce barriers to sustained recovery.