Most Colorado women reported healthcare workers discussed cannabis during pregnancy
Two-thirds of Colorado mothers reported a healthcare worker discussed cannabis during prenatal visits, but perinatal cannabis users were more likely to trust cannabis websites and stores than healthcare providers for information.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
67.8% of women reported an HCW discussed cannabis at prenatal visits. Women who used cannabis perinatally were more likely to report HCW discussions (82.2% vs. 65.3%, p<0.01). However, perinatal users more often trusted cannabis websites (28.9% vs. 6.5%), stores (15.7% vs. 3.8%), and word-of-mouth (28.4% vs. 17.1%). HCW discussions were not associated with cannabis use during breastfeeding.
Key Numbers
3,193 Colorado mothers. 5.8% used cannabis during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. 67.8% reported HCW discussion. Cannabis users trusted: cannabis websites (28.9%), word-of-mouth (28.4%), stores (15.7%).
How They Did This
Health eMoms longitudinal survey of 3,193 Colorado mothers (2018-2020). Logistic regressions assessed HCW cannabis discussions and perinatal/breastfeeding cannabis use, adjusted for sociodemographic factors.
Why This Research Matters
Even when healthcare workers discuss cannabis, perinatal users trust non-medical sources more. This suggests the content or approach of clinical conversations may not effectively reach women most at risk.
The Bigger Picture
The disconnect between having clinical conversations and influencing behavior suggests healthcare workers may need different communication strategies. Simply telling patients to avoid cannabis is insufficient when competing information from cannabis industry sources contradicts that advice.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Colorado-specific results in a state with legal recreational cannabis. Self-reported data. Cannot assess quality or content of HCW discussions. Women who used cannabis may recall discussions differently.
Questions This Raises
- ?What makes HCW cannabis conversations effective vs. ineffective?
- ?Would different messaging approaches reach perinatal cannabis users who currently trust commercial sources?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 29% of users trusted cannabis websites over clinicians
- Evidence Grade:
- State-representative longitudinal survey with adequate sample, but self-reported data and Colorado-specific context.
- Study Age:
- 2024 analysis of Colorado Health eMoms survey data from 2018-2020
- Original Title:
- Perinatal Cannabis Use and Cannabis Use during Breastfeeding: the Role of Health Care Workers.
- Published In:
- American journal of perinatology, 41(S 01), e2686-e2695 (2024)
- Authors:
- Bhatia, Devika(3), Rosenberg, Sophie, Rees, Rebecca, Brooks-Russell, Ashley
- Database ID:
- RTHC-05138
Evidence Hierarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
Do doctors talk to pregnant women about cannabis?
In this Colorado survey, about two-thirds of mothers reported their healthcare worker discussed cannabis during prenatal visits. The rate was higher among women who used cannabis (82%).
Do these conversations change behavior?
Not clearly. HCW discussions were not associated with reduced cannabis use during breastfeeding, and perinatal cannabis users were more likely to trust cannabis websites and stores than their healthcare providers.
Read More on RethinkTHC
Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-05138APA
Bhatia, Devika; Rosenberg, Sophie; Rees, Rebecca; Brooks-Russell, Ashley. (2024). Perinatal Cannabis Use and Cannabis Use during Breastfeeding: the Role of Health Care Workers.. American journal of perinatology, 41(S 01), e2686-e2695. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2145-7775
MLA
Bhatia, Devika, et al. "Perinatal Cannabis Use and Cannabis Use during Breastfeeding: the Role of Health Care Workers.." American journal of perinatology, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2145-7775
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Perinatal Cannabis Use and Cannabis Use during Breastfeeding..." RTHC-05138. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/bhatia-2024-perinatal-cannabis-use-and
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.