Opioid Use Disorder and Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome in Rural Environments

Abstract

Rural communities in the United States have seen a steep rise in opioid use disorder (OUD) during pregnancy, with a parallel increase in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). The birthing person-infant dyads affected by OUD and NOWS in rural areas face many barriers to accessing care. Innovative approaches have proven successful in improving health outcomes for affected birthing persons and newborns, but more work is needed to continue to improve access to prevention, treatment, and additional support services for this vulnerable population.

Keywords: Neonatal abstinence syndrome; Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome; Opioid use disorder; Pregnancy; Rural.