https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20054457">
 

Leveraging Digital Technology to Support Pregnant and Early Parenting Women in Recovery from Addictive Substances: A Scoping Review

Phyllis Raynor, College of Nursing, Advancing Chronic Care Outcomes through Research and iNnovation (ACORN) Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
Cynthia Corbett, College of Nursing, Advancing Chronic Care Outcomes through Research and iNnovation (ACORN) Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
Delia West, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
D'Arion Johnston, College of Education, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
Kacey Eichelberger, Prisma Health Upstate, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville, SC 29605, USA.
Alain Litwin, Prisma Health Upstate, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville, SC 29605, USA.
Constance Guille, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
Ron Prinz, Psychology Department, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.

Abstract

UNLABELLED: Little is known about digital health interventions used to support treatment for pregnant and early parenting women (PEPW) with substance use disorders (SUD). METHODS: Guided by the Arksey and O'Malley's Scoping Review Framework, empirical studies were identified within the CINAHL, PsycInfo, PubMed, and ProQuest databases using subject headings and free-text keywords. Studies were selected based on a priori inclusion/exclusion criteria, and data extraction and descriptive analysis were performed. RESULTS: A total of 27 original studies and 30 articles were included. Varying study designs were used, including several feasibility and acceptability studies. However, efficacious findings on abstinence and other clinically important outcomes were reported in several studies. Most studies focused on digital interventions for pregnant women (89.7%), suggesting a dearth of research on how digital technologies may support early parenting women with SUD. No studies included PEPW family members or involved PEPW women in the intervention design. CONCLUSIONS: The science of digital interventions to support treatment for PEPW is in an early stage, but feasibility and efficacy results are promising. Future research should explore community-based participatory partnerships with PEPW to develop or tailor digital interventions and include family or external support systems to engage in the intervention alongside PEPW.