Conference Proceedings - School of Nursing & Midwifery - Trinity ...

School of Nursing & Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin: 8 th Annual Interdisciplinary Research Conference
Transforming Healthcare Through Research, Education & Technology: 7 th – 9 th November 2007
Conference Proceedings
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Women’s experiences of disclosure of their drug use and
dependence to the maternity services in Dublin…..“The
stigma”
Name: Jennifer Lee RGN, RM, PG Dip in Clinical Practice, MSc
Midwifery
Address: The Practice Development Unit, School of Midwifery,
Rotunda Hospital, Dublin 1
Email: jlee@rotunda.ie
Job Title: Clinical Placement Co-ordinator, Rotunda Hospital
Abstract
The number of pregnant opiate-dependent women accessing
maternity services in the Republic of Ireland has increased.
Although a drug-dependent woman’s pregnancy is deemed at risk, it
is difficult to attribute the total risk to drug misuse alone as drug
dependence is a symptom of the woman’s lifestyle. This group of
women require a specialist midwifery service that links drug
treatment and maternity care. In Ireland, this service has been
developed through the Drug Liaison Midwifery Service. However, if
this group of women fail to disclose their drug use to the maternity
services midwives are obliged to enquire why. Yet, there are no
published studies in Ireland on this topic.
The focus of this study was to explore women’s experiences of
disclosing their drug use and dependences to the maternity services
in Dublin. This study was conducted within the addiction service of
the HSE Eastern Region.
A grounded theory approach utilising semi-structured interview was
considered the most appropriate means to conceptualise the
problem and facilitate exploration and understanding of the topic.
Purposive sampling was used. Twelve women were interviewed. The
data was analysed using a system of open coding. The findings
centred on five major themes that emerged from the data:
disclosure occurred to protect the baby; exposure of drug-using
behaviour and methadone treatment; feelings of guilt and shame;
stigmatised and judged; and the drug liaison midwife facilitated
disclosure and normalised the situation in the maternity services.
This paper will focus on the women’s perception of stigma.
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