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Substance use, psychological distress and violence among pregnant and breastfeeding Australian women

This study aimed to identify the prevalence and characteristics of women using drugs and alcohol while pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as their experience of distress and violence. Results indicated breastfeeding and pregnant women were less likely than non-pregnant women to consume alcohol (47% vs. 85%) or any illicit drug (6% vs. 17%). Psychological distress was significantly more frequent in the non-pregnant women (42%) than in the pregnant group.

Authors: Cate Wallace, Lucy Burns, Stuart Gilmour, Delyse Hutchinson

Date: January 2007

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