Drug Free Moms and Babies: Qualitative and quantitative program evaluation results from a rural Appalachian state

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to present qualitative and quantitative results of the Drug Free Moms and Babies (DFMB) Project pilot program. The program was designed to integrate and evaluate treatment and recovery services for pregnant and postpartum women with substance use disorders. Qualitative assessment was conducted via interviews regarding programmatic design components (four West Virginia sites; 2012–2018). The quantitative assessment utilized a survey that included information on patients' (N = 550) demographic, medical and substance use histories, health care services, and maternal and infant health outcomes. The qualitative results noted that program development for this population is time- and resource-intensive, and implementation requires collaborative team work. A dedicated staff position and team flexibility were critical towards programmatic success. For quantitative results, among the 393 participants that completed the program, urine drug screen data showed a significant reduction of non-prescribed positive screens from 81% (N = 178) positive in the first trimester to 22% (n = 86) positive at delivery, p < 0.0001. The DFMB program reached high-risk, medically underserved women, and was associated with reducing drug use among program completers. Keywords: Pregnancy, Program evaluation, Substance use