Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41318451›Full record

ArticleBMC pregnancy and childbirth2025

Maternal substance abuse prevalence and related neurodevelopmental outcomes: a scoping review.

Jacob Owusu Sarfo, Priscilla Nyamekye Opoku, Rhoda Kwaw, Daniel Miezah, Emmanuel Dziwornu, Josephine Cudjoe Sarfo

Abstract readScoping Review
In one paragraph

Article in BMC pregnancy and childbirth, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Jacob Owusu SarfoDepartment of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana. jacob.sarfo@ucc.edu.gh.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2859-7278
Priscilla Nyamekye OpokuDepartment of Education and Psychology, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0751-3269
Rhoda KwawDepartment of Education and Psychology, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.
Daniel MiezahDepartment of Education and Psychology, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9103-4609
Emmanuel DziwornuDepartment of Psychological Medicine and Mental Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4637-2371
Josephine Cudjoe SarfoCentre for Behaviour and Wellness Advocacy, Koforidua, Ghana.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7782-2067

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundSubstance use during pregnancy is a complex issue with significant implications for both maternal and foetal health. The prevalence of substance abuse among pregnant women varies across age groups and regions, and its associations with adverse developmental outcomes are well-established. Understanding the implications of substance abuse on foetal neurodevelopment is crucial for effective intervention and support systems, given the challenges it poses to public health, healthcare providers, and society as a whole.

methodsFour significant databases, including PubMed CENTRAL, PubMed, PsycINFO, and JSTOR, were searched for records. Additionally, data from Google Scholar and Google were incorporated. The scoping review was conducted in accordance with Arksey and O’Malley’s criteria. Twenty-six papers were included in this review based on eligibility criteria.

resultsThe prevalence of maternal substance abuse varied across regions, with implications for tailored interventions. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were multifaceted, including brain anatomical abnormalities, autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disabilities, and behavioural disturbances. Different substances exhibited varying impacts on foetal neurodevelopment.

conclusionThe high prevalence rates of substance abuse among pregnant women, as highlighted by the presented data, underscore the urgency of addressing this public health concern. The well-established associations between maternal substance abuse and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes emphasise the need for tailored interventions and support systems to mitigate potential long-term consequences.

Indexed as

Neurodevelopmental DisordersPregnancy ComplicationsSubstance-Related DisordersFemaleHumansNeurodevelopmentPregnancyPrevalenceMaternal behaviourNeurodevelopmental outcomePrevalenceScoping reviewSubstance abuse

Identifiers

PMID41318451
PMCPMC12837593

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.