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Research Article Volume 16 Issue 1
The impact of the covid-19 pandemic on a rural pregnant population with opioid use: a comparative study of pre- and post-pandemic
Koran I Sherman, Danielle Vigil, Tanisha Medha, Jessie R Maxwell
Received: March 16, 2026 | Published: March 27, 2026
Citation: Sherman KI, Vigil D, Medha T, et al. The impact of the covid-19 pandemic on a rural pregnant population with opioid use: a comparative study of preand post-pandemic. J Pediatr Neonatal Care. 2026;16(1):44-49. DOI: 10.15406/jpnc.2026.16.00617
Abstract
Background: Opioid use disorder (OUD) in pregnancy poses risks to both the pregnant person and neonate. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare access, including medications for OUD (MOUD). In this study, we hope to elucidate the impact of the pandemic on opioid use, access to medications for opioid use, and overall health outcomes. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted at a single academic center in New Mexico. Maternal-infant dyads were divided into a pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 cohort. Maternal demographics, opioid use, and infant hospitalization data were analyzed. Results: Among 415 dyads (248 pre-COVID-19 and 167 post-COVID-19), MOUD use declined post-COVID-19 (64.7% vs 81.9%; p<0.001), as did the rate of stable housing (73.2% vs 85.5%; p<0.01). Illicit opioid use shifted from heroin (48.4%) to fentanyl in the post-COVID-19 cohort (56.9%; p<0.001). No significant differences were observed in length of birth hospitalization (16.9 days vs 18.5 days; p=0.46) or need for pharmacological treatment for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (27.8% vs 35.9%; p=0.08). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic reduced MOUD access and housing stability, though neonatal outcomes remained stable.
Keywords: prenatal opioid exposure, opioid use disorder, pregnancy, covid-19 pandemic
©2026 Sherman, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.