MATERNAL-FETAL ATTACHMENT AND SOCIAL SUPPORT IN PREGNANT WOMEN USING COCAINE.
Contributors: Catholic University of America.
Published: 1994
Number of pages: 141
Subjects: Health Sciences, Nursing.; Sociology, Individual and Family Studies.
Description: The purpose of this study was: (a) to describe the nature of maternal-fetal attachment and social support in pregnant women using cocaine as drug of choice, and (b) to determine the relationship among maternal-fetal attachment, social support, and frequency of cocaine use in pregnant women using cocaine as drug of choice.

The theoretical framework that guided this study were Rubin's (1984) tasks of pregnancy (safe passage, acceptance by significant family members, seeking self as mother, and giving of self) and social support concepts of affect, affirmation, or aid (Kahn, 1979; Kahn & Antonucci, 1980). Cocaine use can affect the tasks of pregnancy by altering the woman's ability to move from a narcissistic, pleasure seeking lifestyle to one of giving up ego satisfying pleasures. The lifestyle associated with cocaine usage can also affect the quality and quantity of support available to the pregnant woman.

The research design consisted of an exploratory, descriptive approach for the first research question and a correlational design to examine relationships among variables. The sample consisted of 43 women attending prenatal services sensitive to women using cocaine as drug of choice. Data were collected from two different clinics utilizing Cranley's (1984) Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale, the Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire, and a Demographic Questionnaire. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson's Correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis.

There was a significant, positive relationship between social support and maternal-fetal attachment. There was a significant, negative relationship between frequency of cocaine use and maternal-fetal attachment. When frequency of cocaine use was held constant, social support accounted for an additional positive relationship between maternal-fetal attachment and social support. Stage of gestation and age of study participant were also positively related to maternal-fetal attachment.

Thus, in women using cocaine as drug of choice, social support may enhance maternal-fetal attachment. Levels of maternal-fetal attachment appeared adequate. However, there was an apparent low level of functional and network support and a high support loss. Demographic data provide useful information for nursing assessment and intervention. Replication of this study in pregnant women using cocaine in a variety of settings is recommended.
Notes: Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 55-04, Section: B, page: 1379.

Thesis (D.N.SC.)--THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA, 1994.

School code: 0043.