Perceptions of women who used psycho-active substances during the management of the professional attendance

Abstract

This study aimed to know the perceptions of women who used psychoactive substances during pregnancy regarding the care of the professional. The descriptive-exploratory method followed with a qualitative approach. Eleven women who used alcohol and / or other psychoactive substances during pregnancy participated in the study. Data collection was carried out between March and May 2017 through a semi-structured recorded interview. Content analysis was used, in light of the Peplau Theory. From the narratives, two categories emerged: discovery of the addict’s condition by the professional and positive and negative points in the consultations. The study participants demonstrated satisfaction with the prenatal consultations, but indicated as negative the delay in attendance, the difficult communication of doctors and disrespectful forms in the hospital care, through situations of violence. Therefore, it is important to review the assistance offered to pregnant women, especially as drug users, in order to mitigate unfavorable maternal-fetal prognoses and not to prejudice the construction and maintenance of interpersonal relationships between clients and professionals.