THURS-074 - Gateways, Barriers, and Facilitators to Opioid Use Treatment for Pregnant and Postpartum Women

Brief Abstract Summary: Low-income, pregnant, and postpartum women who misuse opioids face potentially life-threatening challenges when accessing recovery support services. This study used an explanatory sequential mixed-methods approach to explore gateways, barriers, and facilitators to opioid use recovery services for pregnant and postpartum women in the state of Alabama. Thirty-two surveys and fifteen interviews with pregnant and postpartum individuals were completed. Key findings include financial barriers, lack of transportation, past traumas, and intimate partner violence as barriers to treatment, as well as social support and pregnancy awareness as facilitators. The Department of Human Resources, drug court, and mental health institutions acted as gateways. Conclusions support trauma-informed gender-responsive treatment, and broadening eligibility requirements for drug court programs may increase utilization of recovery services for OUD by pregnant and postpartum women.

Detailed abstract description: This session will explore various factors that encourage pregnant and postpartum women with OUD to seek treatment, such as the perceived benefits of MOUD (medication-assisted treatment), support from family or friends, and positive experiences with healthcare providers. Attendees at this session will gain valuable insights into how to improve care for this population. They will learn about the factors that lead pregnant and postpartum women to seek or avoid treatment, and the challenges they face in accessing and maintaining care. Additionally, they will learn about strategies to address these barriers and facilitate treatment engagement, ultimately leading to better outcomes for both mothers and babies. This session will present some of the evidence-based strategies that work best to overcome these barriers, such as implementing gender-responsive programs, providing culturally appropriate services, improving access to transportation and childcare, and addressing stigma through education and awareness campaigns. By understanding the gateways, barriers, and facilitators, attendees will contribute to creating a more supportive and effective treatment system for pregnant and postpartum women with OUD, ultimately leading to better outcomes for both mothers and their babies.