Risk Factors for Amphetamine Use Among Pregnant Women: A Narrative Review

Abstract

This study employed a systematic literature review to identify risk factors associated with amphetamine use among pregnant women and to synthesize evidence for the development of a screening tool for antenatal care clinics. Literature searches were conducted using both national and international databases, including PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, and ThaiJO. The PEC (Population–Exposure–Outcome) framework was applied to define the search strategy and scope. The review process followed the principles of systematic evidence synthesis with clearly defined inclusion criteria, and article selection was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines.

A total of 168 records were identified through database searching. After removing duplicate articles and conducting title, abstract, and full-text screening based on predefined eligibility criteria, seven studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. The findings revealed that risk factors associated with amphetamine use during pregnancy could be classified into four domains: individual factors, family-related factors, social and environmental factors, and psychosocial factors. Commonly reported factors across studies included a history of substance use prior to pregnancy, maternal age and educational level, socioeconomic conditions, having a partner or close family member who used substances, lack of family support, living in environments with widespread drug exposure, as well as stress, depression, and mental health problems. These factors were interconnected in a multifactorial manner and collectively influenced amphetamine use behaviors during pregnancy. The synthesized evidence from this review may serve as a foundation for developing a risk screening tool to support early identification of pregnant women at risk and facilitate appropriate care planning and intervention in antenatal care settings.