(117) Evaluation of evidence-based, plain language marijuana health education

Objective: To assess the impact of patient education on perceived safety of marijuana use in pregnancy and breastfeeding, intended future marijuana use, and perception of stigmatizing language.

Study Design: An evidence-based, plain language one-page handout was created to educate patients regarding marijuana use in pregnancy. Patient feedback was gathered to determine if the material was perceived as helpful or stigmatizing. Patients were identified through self-reported use or a positive urine test in pregnancy. Pre- and post-intervention surveys gauged perceived safety of marijuana use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Perceived stigmatizing language was assessed post-intervention. Demographics were collected. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests assessed pre- and post-intervention perceptions of marijuana use safety for significant differences.

Results: Twenty-two patients consented into the study and completed the intervention and surveys. After the intervention, a significantly higher percentage of patients disagreed that fetal exposure to marijuana was safe (Table 1). However, perceptions of maternal risks and breastfeeding success with marijuana use did not change significantly. Post-intervention, 50.0% of patients indicated less likelihood of using marijuana in future pregnancies and 71.4% felt the education made them feel the provider was “on their team.” The majority (90.9%) found the education helpful and 72.7% learned something new (Figure 1).

Conclusion: Though statistically significant differences were only noted around perceptions of fetal risk and marijuana use, consideration for decreased marijuana use in future pregnancies and feelings of destigmatization were promising. It seems possible to provide non-stigmatizing education addressing potential dangers of marijuana use to maternal and infant health, which is becoming more important as providers address higher self-reported marijuana use during pregnancy in our communities.