Boca Raton, Florida – A recent study conducted by experts at Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine has brought to light a concerning trend in drug-related infant deaths in the United States from 2018 to 2022. The study found that drug-involved infant deaths more than doubled during this period, increasing by 120% from 10.8% in 2018 to 24.4% in 2022. The largest surge was noted between 2019 and 2022, with the highest proportion of drug-related infant deaths occurring in 2021.
According to the findings, drug-involved infant deaths were significantly higher in the postnatal period, particularly between ages 28 to 364 days, compared to deaths from other causes during the same timeframe. The most common underlying causes of death included drug-induced assault, poisoning from exposure to narcotics, and accidental poisoning from various drugs. Statistics also showed that a significant number of infants who died from drug-related causes were born to non-Hispanic white and Black mothers.
The researchers emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to address the racial disparities in drug-involved infant deaths, emphasizing the importance of clinical and public health interventions. They highlighted the significance of addressing social determinants of health, improving access to addiction treatment, and implementing culturally sensitive interventions to prevent infant deaths in vulnerable populations.
Furthermore, the study revealed that drug-involved infant deaths accounted for 1.18% of all infant deaths from 2018 to 2022, a notable increase from the previous period of 2015 to 2017. The researchers noted that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to the rise in drug-related infant deaths, citing reduced access to prenatal care and healthcare services in rural areas as potential factors.
In response to the findings, experts stressed the importance of collaborative efforts among health providers, public health agencies, and community partners to develop effective strategies to prevent and treat maternal substance use disorders, enhance prenatal care access, and address broader social and behavioral risk factors. The study authors called for further research to explore the underlying causes of the increase in drug-related infant deaths, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The study, which utilized data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, highlighted the need for ongoing monitoring and intervention to address the concerning trend of drug-related infant deaths in the United States. Researchers involved in the study included experts from various disciplines within Florida Atlantic University’s Schmidt College of Medicine.
