Early intervention program for pregnant heroin users and their young children: Hong Kong's experience

Abstract

Objectives: To achieve early identification of pregnant heroin users and their young children and to provide adequate support, modify important risk factors and monitor the welfare of their children. Methodology: Pregnant heroin users were identified during early pregnancy by social workers in a major methadone centre in Kowloon West and referred to a district hospital for early assessment, counselling, management of drug addiction and formulation of child care plan. Their infants and young children were followed up and closely monitored by a paediatrician and staff in a local maternity and child health centre. Results: Fifty-eight heroin users and their families (69 children) were recruited in the Kowloon West District from May 2006 to April 2007, among which 9 (15.5%) underwent successful detoxification and 38 (65.5%) became stable methadone users, which were significantly higher than the 7% successful detoxification rate and 14% stable methadone user rate found in the baseline study before the program. Vaccination compliance of their young children was 94%, which was higher than the 77% compliance rate found in the surveillance study before the program. Conclusions: Modification of risk factors of pregnant heroin abusers and their young children could be achieved by an early intervention program through enhanced work of health care and social service workers.