Mayers, PatFinlayson, Jean-Louise2023-08-102024-11-072023-08-102024-11-072023https://hdl.handle.net/10566/19009Magister Curationis - MCurBackground: Worldwide, it is estimated that 155 -250 million people between the ages of 15 and 64 use illicit substances; however, an accurate estimation of illicit drug use during pregnancy is not available as this is underreported. The South African National Drug Master Plan (NDMP) reports rising illicit drug use among pregnant women Early initiation and regular antenatal care prevent or decrease many risk factors caused by the use of illicit drugs, leading to improved outcomes for mothers and infants. Pregnant women who use illicit drugs are less likely to engage with health services due to various barriers, of which stigma is particularly pervasive. Stigmatising attitudes from health care providers may lead to reduced management and care. There is limited South African information regarding midwives’ attitudes toward pregnant women who use illicit substances. Aim: To describe midwives’ attitudes toward pregnant women who use illicit substances in the Metro East sub-district of Cape Town. Study setting and population: Primary, secondary, and tertiary maternity services in the Metro East sub-district, Cape Town. All midwives (N=146) in all facilities in the sub-district were included (total population sampling). Method: A quantitative approach with a survey design, using a previously validated questionnaire, was utilised. Face-to-face data collection was conducted. Each questionnaire was checked for completeness. Data analysis was done using SPSS. Ethical considerations: This study strictly adhered to ethical principles. Ethical approval was obtained from the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee, UWC, and Western Cape Department of Health Research Committee. The research adheres to the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013. Voluntary participation and the right to withdraw at any point during the study was respected and respondent data was anonymised. Results: The study had a response rate of 69%. Most respondents were female and 51.4% were in the < 41 age group. 15.8% of respondents had one year or less experience, with a mean of 10 years of experience.enAttitudesPerceptionsSubstance usePregnancyUniversity of the Western Cape