Clinical Report: An Online Program Aimed at Decreasing STIs in Pregnant Women

Overview

This study evaluates the Health Check-Up for Expectant Moms (HCEM), an online intervention designed to reduce substance use and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among pregnant women. The pilot randomized controlled trial demonstrated significant reductions in cannabis and alcohol use compared to a control group.

Background

Substance use during pregnancy is linked to adverse outcomes for both mothers and infants, including increased risk of STIs, postpartum depression, and neonatal complications. With STIs at record highs in the U.S., particularly among pregnant women, effective interventions are critical to prevent transmission to infants. The perinatal period is identified as a key time for screening and behavior change.

Data Highlights

No numerical data provided in the source material.

Key Findings

• The HCEM intervention consists of a single session and two booster sessions aimed at reducing substance use and STI risk.
• High acceptability ratings were reported among participants in the pilot study.
• Participants in the HCEM group showed a significantly larger reduction in cannabis and alcohol use compared to the control group.
• Technology-delivered interventions can help overcome barriers to care for pregnant women.
• Universal screening for substance use during pregnancy is recommended by ACOG.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should consider integrating technology-delivered interventions into prenatal care.

Conclusion

The HCEM intervention was associated with reductions in substance use among pregnant women.

Related Resources & Content

1. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
2. American Journal of Epidemiology, 2023 -- Assessing the Impact of Anemia Interventions on Reducing Adverse Birth Outcomes Disparities in HIV-Positive Individuals
3. American Journal of Epidemiology, 2023 -- Impact of Youth-Centric Health Services on Pregnancy Risk in Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Lilongwe, Malawi: Insights from the Girl Power–Malawi Study Analysis
4. Cannabis Use During Pregnancy and Lactation | ACOG
5. Recommendation: Syphilis Infection During Pregnancy: Screening | United States Preventive Services Taskforce
6. Clinical Guidance for STIs | STI | CDC
7. Women’s Preventive Services Guidelines | HRSA
8. About Alcohol Use During Pregnancy | Alcohol and Pregnancy | CDC
9. JAMA Internal Medicine — Error in Conclusions
10. Cannabis Use During Pregnancy and Lactation | ACOG
11. Recommendation: Syphilis Infection During Pregnancy: Screening | United States Preventive Services Taskforce
12. Clinical Guidance for STIs | STI | CDC
13. Women’s Preventive Services Guidelines | HRSA
14. About Alcohol Use During Pregnancy | Alcohol and Pregnancy | CDC
15. Evaluation of an e-health integrated intervention for pregnant women with co-occurring mental health and substance use symptoms: an exploratory randomized clinical trial | BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | Springer Nature Link
16. A Web-Based Intervention for Reducing Sexually Transmitted Infections and Substance Use During Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint) | Request PDF
17. Outcomes in offspring of interventions to treat substance use in pregnancy: protocol for an umbrella review | Systematic Reviews | Springer Nature Link
18. EVIDENCE-BASED, WHOLE-PERSON CARE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN WHO HAVE OPIOID USE DISORDER
19. Program Operation Considerations for Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention